Dan Ballard injury could be worse than expected after latest Sunderland update
Sunderland had to withdraw Dan Ballard eight minutes into their defeat to Burnley.
The rise of Ballard at Sunderland has been something else over the last few months, with his play-off semi-final goal and well-placed header against West Ham just two of the incredible moments he has produced on Wearside.
To no one’s surprise, he was then named in the starting 11 for Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley, but was substituted just eight minutes in with an injury.
The Northern Ireland international had a scan to determine the severity of his injury on Monday, and while no official communication has been provided, the latest update may serve as a massive hint.
Sunderland want to sign Axel Disasi
On the face of it, Sunderland being linked with Axel Disasi doesn’t mean much, given the fact that it was well known that they wanted another centre back before the transfer window closes.
However, his profile is completely different to Sunderland-linked Jhon Lucumi, and it could mean that Ballard is set for a long time on the sidelines.
Ballard’s injury record
- 24/25 – Hamstring injury – 12 games missed
- 24/25 – Muscle injury – 4 games missed
- 24/25 – Ankle injury – 9 games missed
- 24/25 – Knee injury – 5 games missed
- 22/23 – Hamstring injury – 12 games missed
- 22/23 – Broken foot – 23 games missed
Lucumi is a ball-playing, left-footed defender, while Disasi is the complete opposite.
The Frenchman seems to have emerged as a link to replace Ballard, while interest in Lucumi is still strong heading into the final few days of the window.
After such a promising start to the season, it would be devastating to lose Ballard for any length of time, but the signs are not looking good.
Sunderland simply have to replace Dan Ballard
Ballard’s early exit clearly had a huge effect on Sunderland in their defeat to Burnley, and if they fail to replace him if the injury is bad, then it could hamper their chances of picking up early points.
Nordi Mukiele and Jenson Seelt are both available for selection now, but the former has had very little time to train with the Black Cats, while the former had spent the last campaign injured.
Having that dominant centre-back is going to be crucial for Sunderland in the next few fixtures, though, with just five days remaining in the transfer window, a sense of desperation may emerge.
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