Sunderland were dealt their first league defeat of the Regis Le Bris era on Saturday.
Sunderland went into the game vs Plymouth Argyle with bags of optimism.
The Black Cats were flying high at the top of the Championship table having won all four of their opening league fixtures this season.
And it looked like Regis Le Bris’ men were on their way to a fifth-straight league win after a Patrick Roberts penalty in the first half.
But a slow start to the second half saw Plymouth Argyle take the lead.
Romaine Mundle continued his impressive form, and scored his third goal in as many games to seal what looked like a point.
Though Plymouth found a late third goal and claimed all the points.
Despite the defeat, Sunderland remain in 1st place of the table.
Sunderland fans must remain patient with Le Bris despite this setback, though the Frenchman now has a fresh setback himself.
Dan Ballard injury fears after Plymouth Argyle 3-2 Sunderland
After the defeat at Home Park, Sunderland centre-back Dan Ballard was seen limping off the field.
Ballard underwent knee surgery during the summer after sustaining a minor injury in the opening pre-season friendly.
The Northern Ireland centre-back has had serious injuries in the past too, missing the bulk of the 2022/23 season with an ankle injury.
It looked like his ankle that he injured vs Plymouth, with journalist Phil Smith revealing on X how the 24-year-old was helped off the pitch by two Sunderland physios.
Potential problem position emerging at Sunderland
If Ballard is injured, and injured for a considerable amount of time, then it may open up a real problem position for Le Bris.
Currently, Aji Alese is injured and not expected back any time soon, leaving just Luke O’Nien and Chris Mepham as Le Bris’ options.
There’s names who can operate at centre-back, like Trai Hume and Leo Hjelde, but O’Nien and Mepham will be Le Bris’ main paring should Ballard be injured.
It’ll put a lot of pressure on Mepham to step in and perform, and to also get to grips with Le Bris’ playing style in what would be a short amount of time.
Le Bris and indeed the Sunderland fans will be hoping that Ballard doesn’t have a serious injury, and that he can help Sunderland get back to inning ways soon.