Regis Le Bris seemed to settle very quickly on his favoured Sunderland XI, and it’s subsequently left a few fighting for game time at the Stadium of Light.
Among those out of favour are French duo Abdoullah Ba and Adil Aouchiche. The pair could’ve left Sunderland during the summer but stayed around, though only Aouchiche has played in the league this season, featuring once.
There’s others such as Nazariy Rusyn who’s made six substitute appearances but who hasn’t played since the start of October, whilst Milan Aleksic is being forced to wait for his debut, despite being named on the bench every match day.
The list does go on for Sunderland. But one player who’s been quite unfortunate this season is Dan Ballard, with injuries having limited him to just five Championship appearances this season.
Regis Le Bris delivers Dan Ballard verdict at Sunderland
Ballard picked up a knee injury in the summer which sidelined him for the start of the campaign. Then in the September, Ballard picked up a separate ankle injury which sidelined him until earlier this month.
Against Coventry City last time out, Ballard came off the bench. But he looks as though he’ll be kept out of the Sunderland XI by the impressive Chris Mepham who’s shone in Ballard’s absence.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Regis Le Bris explained that Ballard remains an important player, and that he’ll get his share of game time in the Championship this season.
Le Bris said: “We have spoken with Dan a lot. He struggled with his knee in pre-season and then he came back, not in his best match fitness I don’t think.
The French added: “I think he’s in this situation right now and I’m still very confident for him, the level he will reach and how much he is going to help us.
“I don’t know when, but it is going to happen for sure. I like him and I like the player, and there are 31 games to play.
“He will play, for sure. If he can get some minutes for the national team, it will be good for us.”
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When does Dan Ballard play during the November international break?
Ballard is among the Sunderland players on international duty during this November break, and it’s a good time for him to gain some match fitness.
The 25-cap Northern Ireland man is in the squad for games against Belarus and Luxembourg in the Nations League.
He and Trai Hume, who is suspended for the upcoming Championship clash against Millwall, are in the squad and Ballard could well be thrust into the XI, being a favoured player of boss Michael O’Neill.
Ballard now has 70 total appearances for Sunderland. His first 2022/23 season was blighted by injury, but last time round, the 25-year-old shone as he made 43 total appearances.