The defensive midfielder was sent off for an impetuous act in a reserve team fixture against Manchester United while sharpening himself up following what has been a long injury lay-off.
Allardyce said: "Ivan misses three matches starting after the Middlesbrough game because of a silly sending off.
"He looked pretty comfortable (at Sunderland) but we are going to miss him now for three games."
Meanwhile, Tal Ben Haim has told Bolton manager Sam Allardyce to leave him out of his rotation policy.
Ben Haim has played in 16 of the 17 Premiership games this season and reckons the one he missed is one too many.
"I want to play in every game," he said. "But it is the manager's decision.
"The gaffer says he rotates the squad because we have four games in eight days.
"We have good players in the squad and we know that whatever team is picked will do its best."