Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has provided a reassuring injury update on Dan Ballard ahead of the Black Cats’ New Year’s Day clash with Manchester City, confirming the defender has avoided serious damage despite being ruled out of the fixture.
The centre-back picked up an ankle injury late on during Sunderland’s goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, and was then absent as his side drew 1-1 with Leeds United.
Ballard to miss City but injury not serious
Ballard underwent a second scan on Monday to assess the extent of the problem, with results confirming there is no significant damage — a welcome boost despite his unavailability against Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of the match, Le Bris confirmed the 26-year-old will not feature on New Year’s Day but could return quickly.
“Yeah, he’s getting better, but he won’t be available for the game tomorrow,” Le Bris said.
“We hope for the next fixture, so we’ll see, but it’s not serious.”
That next fixture could see Ballard return to action against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, depending on how his recovery progresses.
Defensive boost elsewhere
While Ballard’s absence is a blow, Sunderland will be strengthened by the return of Luke O’Nien, who is available again after serving a three-match suspension following a red card in the reverse fixture.
His return provides Le Bris with added defensive flexibility as Sunderland prepare for one of the toughest tests of the season.
What it means for Sunderland
Avoiding a serious injury to Ballard is a major relief, particularly with a busy run of fixtures ahead. Missing the Manchester City game is far from ideal, but the prospect of a swift return softens the blow as Sunderland look to build momentum into 2026.
How big a miss will Dan Ballard be against Manchester City — and can Sunderland’s defence cope without him?
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