Sunderland could be without a key player when they face Plymouth Argyle in the Championship tomorrow afternoon.
Sunderland welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Stadium of Light tomorrow afternoon.
The Black Cats will look to go three games unbeaten after a win over Stoke City followed by a draw away at Middlesbrough.
Pressure is steadily alleviating on Michael Beale who now finds his side in 8th place of the Championship table, compared to Plymouth who currently sit in 15th.
Tomorrow’s game will be another stern test of Sunderland’s mettle but Beale will hopefully be boosted by the presence of Dan Ballard in defence.
Dan Ballard in clear after Middlesbrough injury scare
Ballard came off in the final minutes of the last outing vs Middlesbrough after falling awkwardly on his shoulder.
Beale played down a potential injury scare earlier in the week, and now Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith has reported from Beale that Ballard is good to play tomorrow, providing that he comes through today with no injury scares.
Smith posted on X:
Ballard, 24, has been colossal for Sunderland in defence this season.
He’s now featured 29 times in the Championship with three goals to his name as well, after featuring just 19 times in the league last time round.
As per Sofascore, Ballard has contributed towards seven clean sheets in the Championship this season, averaging 0.8 clearances per game, 1.2 tackles, 4.2 clearances, and 5.8 balls recovered.
Ballard crucial for Sunderland run-in
Ballard, labelled a defensive ‘diamond’ by Tony Mowbray, has been in fine form this season.
Despite featuring just 19 times in the Championship last season, he was then wanted by the likes of West Ham last summer, which should tell us all we need to know about his ability.
And he’s backed that up with some tremendous performances this season; he’s such a dominant force at the back with his aerial ability, and also his ability to move forward and pass the ball, making him a very contemporary defender.
Beale will be delighted that Ballard didn’t pick a up a major injury yesterday, though if there’s any inkling of an injury in today’s training, expect the Englishman to be rested against Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.
The Green Army have been poor away from home this season, currently sitting in 22nd place of the away form table, so Sunderland will be backing themselves to claim three points and hopefully leave themselves in the top six come the end of the weekend.