Dan Ballard has admitted he is unsure about the severity of his injury ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Burnley. Black Cats fans were worried when the centre-back hobbled off during the second half of Northern Ireland’s embarrassing home defeat to Finland.
A 1-0 loss dealt a hammer blow to their Euro 2024 hopes and Ballard was hooked with a suspected hamstring injury early in the second half. Already trailing, the Green and White Army ultimately failed to get back into the game and are now second-bottom in Group H.
Ballard missed several months of the season with a foot injury but has been instrumental since December, starting Sunderland’s last 19 fixtures across all competitions. Tony Mowbray’s side have won just one of their last seven games and face the most daunting test possible on Friday night.
READ MORE: Sunderland youth coach ‘delighted’ for Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson following England recognition
A trip to runaway league leaders Burnley is hardly ideal when trying to turn the tide and salvage a potential promotion push. That task looks set to become more challenging as Ballard gave a concerning injury update following Northern Ireland’s defeat - making him a severe doubt for the clash at Turf Moor.
“I’m not too sure yet, I just felt a little something go,” Ballard said post-match. “I’m hoping for the best, I don’t think it’s anything too serious. I’ll probably get a scan in the next few days and, hopefully, I’ll be back playing very soon.”
READ NEXT
- Niall Huggins injury update after 'special' game for young Sunderland defender
- Kristjaan Speakman lifts the lid on Dan Neil's new Sunderland contract
- Dan Neil's first words on new Sunderland deal amid Premier League interest
- Ellis Simms explains Sunderland loan spell plan after Everton goal heroics at Chelsea
- Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke drops transfer hint amid Sunderland links
