Northern Ireland star 'could be out for up to five weeks' after Sunderland injury blow
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris admits it’s “a shame to lose” Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard with scheduled scans on Monday set to reveal the severity of his ankle injury – but early reports suggest he could miss up to five weeks.
Ballard has been in fine form for the Black Cats this season during their sensational Premier League return – Sunderland sit seventh following Sunday’s 1-1 home draw against Leeds United.
The 26-year-old has made 15 league appearances for the Stadium of Light outfit and scored two goals, including against current leaders – and Ballard’s former club – Arsenal.
Ballard has developed into a key player for both club and country with the centre-back set to feature for Northern Ireland in March’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Italy as Michael O’Neill’s men look to keep their major tournament dream alive.
While Le Bris wasn’t able to provide a timeline for Ballard’s return in his pre-match interview, the BBC have reported “the Sunderland defender could be out for up to five weeks”.
"He got a kick on his ankle against Brighton and it was a bit too short to be available today,” said Le Bris. “He has been really important for us and it’s always a shame to lose a player like him.
"The season is always like that, you have to manage different circumstances – injuries, suspensions – so we will have different options.
"Not yet (timeframe on Ballard’s return), we will have to wait until Monday to have a really clear diagnosis.”