Sunderland have now been dealt a huge player blow following the defeat at Birmingham City.
Sunderland took on Tony Mowbray’s Birmingham City in the Championship this afternoon.
And after an impressive first half which saw Sunderland winning at half-time thanks to a Jack Clarke goal, the Black Cats capitulated in the second half, eventually losing 2-1.
It’s a defeat that leaves Sunderland now four points outside the top six, with pressure piling back on boss Michael Beale after losing against his predecessor Mowbray.
And today’s defeat has also handed Beale a fresh player blow, with defender Dan Ballard now serving a two-game suspension.
Sunderland dealt Dan Ballard suspension blow
Ballard picked up a yellow card in the second half of the game today; his 10th of the season, meaning that he’ll now serve a two-game suspension.
The Northern Ireland international has featured in all but one of Sunderland’s 33 Championship games this season and his absence will leave a big hole in the Sunderland defence.
Ballard will miss upcoming Championship clashes vs Swansea City and Norwich City, but will be back for games against Leicester City and Southampton.
How Michael Beale can deal with Ballard absence
Ballard is such an important part of the Sunderland XI, so replacing him will be extremely difficult.
And Sunderland really don’t have many centre-backs on their books so that could make it extra difficult for Beale, who’s only fit centre-back right now is Jenson Seelt.
The Dutchman joined last summer and has shown glimpses of a very good player, though he’s largely played on the right-side of defence.
Seelt though is naturally a centre-back and with his aerial prowess, he could be a good replacement for Ballard against Swansea and Norwich, and it’ll also be a great chance for the 20-year-old to show Beale what he can do.
But it may be more likely that Beale moves Trai Hume into the middle, and then brings Seelt or maybe Timothee Pembele into the XI on the right of defence.
So there’s some good options for Beale, though Ballard’s absence is still a big blow for the Black Cats.
Up next is a game vs Swansea City at the Stadium of Light next weekend.