View: Sunderland suffer defensive blow as Ballard injury prognosis confirmed

Sunderland have suffered a setback in their defensive options as Dan Ballard has been ruled out for up to six weeks, the club have confirmed on social media.

The Black Cats posted on their official X account [16 July] that Ballard had sustained a knee injury in the club's pre-season victory over South Shields on Saturday, with the defender visiting a specialist in London who deemed minor surgery to be the best recovery option.

The centre-half has therefore not travelled to Spain with the rest of the first-team squad for their training camp this week, and is not expected to return until the Championship season has already begun.

Sunderland suffer Ballard setback

Sunderland have benefitted from Ballard's availability in the squad when he has been fit, with the former Arsenal defender struggling with various injury issues since his arrival at the Stadium of Light but missing just four matches last term.

The Northern Ireland international has been a shining example of the club's developmental transfer model in recent seasons, performing as a rock at the back and chipping in with the odd important goal, too.

Ballard's performances have unsurprisingly attracted suitors including RC Lens - the new club of the Black Cats' managerial candidate Will Still - along with Premier League new boys Ipswich Town, but the club hold the cards on the 24-year-old [Sunderland Echo, 16 July] who has three years on his fresh contract, signed last year.

Reinforcements at the back may be required for Sunderland amid injury concerns down the years for several of their defensive players, such as Luke O'Nien, Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin.

The club will be hoping Ballard can return before the league season really picks up pace.