Sunderland handed Dan Ballard injury hope as Northern Ireland call-up announced
Dan Ballard has earned a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming international break, despite having suffered an injury against Brighton.
Sunderland’s latest defeat to Brighton caused concern for several reasons, but none more so than the fact that it seemed Ballard had joined an already extensive list of players out injured.
The Black Cats are already without Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo from their strongest defensive set-up, with Ballard sparking worry after he was withdrawn in the defeat to Brighton.
Regis Le Bris has yet to give any indication as to whether it’s a severe injury or whether he was withdrawn as a precaution, but his call-up to the Northern Ireland squad may be telling.
What do we know about Dan Ballard injury situation?
Ballard appeared to pick up a knock in the first half of the clash with Brighton on Saturday, but played on.
That was until the final 20 minutes of the game when the central defender went to the floor with a hamstring injury, which eventually saw him substituted.
As of right now, Ballard appears to be a doubt for this weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby, and if so, it would increase the pressure on Mukiele to make his timely return from injury.
However, while Michael O’Neill has called him up to his Northern Ireland squad, he too is waiting for a full diagnosis, but there may be some hope in the fact that he has at least been included.
Stats show why Sunderland will be sweating on Ballard update
Ballard has been sensational in the Premier League this season, and he has been a big reason behind the success they have found on their return to the top flight.
However, if he is to miss this Sunday’s clash against Newcastle, it would be a major blow, and if he were to miss any games after that, then those fears will be even stronger.
As showcased by his Sofascore graphic below, Ballard has excelled at the back for the Wearsiders, with an average of 6.9 clearances per game.
His physicality has seen him win 60 per cent of his total duels in the Premier League, with an average of 6.1 per 90.
The Northern Ireland international has also shown a major improvement in his ability on the ball, as showcased by his 93 per cent pass accuracy in his own half, with an 82 per cent accuracy overall.
Sunderland will need him for the final eight games of the season, but for now, they will have to wait and see how long this injury will keep him out for.
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