Sunderland sweating on injury verdict ahead of Middlesbrough showdown

Sunderland sweating on injury verdict ahead of Middlesbrough showdown

Dan Ballard, a cente-back, might not play for Sunderland against Middlesbrough at home on Saturday in their North East match.

The 24-year-old was seen leaving Home Park on crutches with his foot in a brace. The previous weekend,

he gave up a penalty and scored an own goal against Plymouth.

Joe Edwards’ goal for Plymouth proved to be the game-winning goal, forcing Ballard to play up front in the closing moments.

After leaping to win a header,

he seemed to land awkwardly and needed physio assistance to leave the field.

Regis Le Bris, the head coach,

will now have to wait anxiously to find out if he can play against Boro, which does not appear likely.

With Ballard having recently returned to action after summer surgery,

losing him for the second time this season would be devastating.

Aji Alese’s 10- to 12-week absence prior to the international break has left the Black Cats without a vital defender already.

Jenson Seelt, a Dutchman, will be out till the new year.

Ballard signed a new contract with Sunderland this summer following interest from Premier League clubs. After the 3-2 loss to Argyle, Le Bris stated that it was premature to assess the severity of the injury.

The 24-year-old had just now started playing again after missing the preseason to have surgery.

In addition, Sunderland will be without Ahmed Abdullahi,

the striker they signed on deadline day, who had to undergo surgery for a groin injury the club knew about before making the seven-figure acquisition.

Throughout the week, Ian Poveda and Salis Abdul Samed are being kept an eye on in the hopes that they will be available for Boro’s visit.

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