(Credit: Imago)

Regis Le Bris shares positive Dan Ballard injury update ahead of Crystal Palace

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

11 Sep 2025, 8:30 am

Sunderland made the perfect start to life in the Premier League, and that was largely thanks to Dan Ballard.

Ballard was at his best against West Ham in the opening game of the season, delivering a goal and a man-of-the-match performance.

However, Regis Le Bris' men suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burnley, with the centre-back going off in the early stages.

The Northern Ireland international has been absent since, but Le Bris has shared some positive news ahead of the Crystal Palace clash.

The defender has been a key part of the Wearsiders' journey (Credit: Imago)

Regis Le Bris confirms when Dan Ballard will be back

Sunderland travel to Crystal Palace for their second away trip of the Premier League and will be eyeing a third win from four.

Indeed, if the Wearsiders are triumphant, then it will be the first time in their history that they have beaten the Eagles in four successive matches away from home.

Palace are unbeaten this season
Sunderland won the last clash 4-0 in 2017
The Black Cats have only lost two of their last seven to the Eagles

Furthermore, Sunderland could emulate Bolton Wanderers, who were the last promoted team to win three of their opening four top-flight games.

Le Bris is expected to make minimal changes to the team that defeated the Bees, and has now addressed the fitness of Ballard.

"Probably for Aston Villa," the manager said when asked about when the centre-back could return.

The Black Cats will host Villa at the Stadium of Light the following weekend after they face the Eagles this Saturday.

What does Dan Ballard's injury mean for Sunderland?

Although the defender's absence against Palace will be a blow, the Wearsiders coped just fine without him against Brentford.

Indeed, Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele did a stellar job in the hub of Le Bris' backline, with the latter delivering a statement performance.

Alderete has also adjusted admirably to the Premier League and will be on a high after guiding Paraguay to World Cup qualification.

Although Sunderland will want him now, they should be able to manage without Ballard for one more match.

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Dan Ballard