Sunderland centre-back Dan Ballard was on the scoresheet against Norwich City on Saturday. But his game was brought to an early end.
Sunderland have now won back-to-back games in the Championship for the first time since October, coming from behind to beat Norwich City 2-1.
In their previous outing, Sunderland came from behind to beat Swansea City in a game where Jobe Bellingham scored the winning goal.
That was the same case on Saturday at the Stadium of Light, with Dan Ballard‘s headed goal levelling the scores after the break, and Bellingham winning it later on.
Ballard missed a large part of this season through injury but has since returned to the XI, slotting in alongside Chris Mepham for a very formidable backline.
But the Northern Ireland centre-back was forced off the pitch with a few minutes eft to play, having picked up a knock.
The 25-year-old was also on the scoresheet in the game against Swansea City previously, having scored twice in 12 Championship appearances for the Black Cats this season.
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Regis Le Bris quizzed on possible Dan Ballard injury after Norwich City
Speaking to the club after the game, Le Bris was asked whether or not he knows the severity of Ballard’s injury.
Le Bris said: “I don’t know. I hope no. Because he’s very important for the team.”
Ballard’s two-and-a-half years at Sunderland has been somewhat blighted by injury, with the defender missing more than half of his first season with the club.
He then racked up 43 Championship appearances last season and really grew into the side, before another injury setback earlier in this campaign.
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Dan Ballard interest emerges ahead of January transfer window
Ballard has often had Premier League links since joining Sunderland in 2022, with the likes of Wolves having been mentioned alongside Ballard quite strongly for some time.
Now, there’s fresh rumours. It’s claimed that Ballard has several Premier League suitors ahead the January transfer widow opening in less than two weeks.
Brighton are among those keen on the former Arsenal man and Wolves have also retained their interest.
Ballard remains under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028 so Sunderland are under no pressure whatsoever to sell.
And selling Ballard in January may not make sense with the likes of Chris Mepham only on loan, and Luke O’Nien having turned 30 recently.