Sources: Dan Ballard faces 'months' out in crushing Sunderland blow
Sunderland are worried that centre-back Dan Ballard could potentially be out for "months rather than weeks" with a hamstring injury, sources have told Football Insider.
The Black Cats are awaiting results of a scan for the 27-year-old, but there is genuine concern that it could be a "serious" issue for the defender.
Ballard has already returned home from the Northern Ireland international camp, after being withdrawn in the latter stages of their 1-0 win away at Georgia on Friday.
The club hierarchy are hoping for "positive news" from the scan, but are well aware that he is not the sort of player to come off with injuries.
The former Arsenal starlet has been a key player for Regis Le Bris' side, and is yet to miss a single minute of Premier League action so far this term.
However, Ballard now faces a potentially prolonged spell on the sidelines if Sunderland's worst fears are proven correct by his scan.
Sunderland at risk of losing league-leading star
Ballard's influence at the Stadium of Light has grown with every passing season since he first joined Sunderland back in 2022.
He has quickly become a key part of their project, and even scored a crucial extra-time winner in their Championship play-off semi-final to help them get back to the Premier League in 2024-25.
Since his team's return to the top flight, Ballard has gone from strength to strength as a player, despite a few injury issues.
He is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Le Bris, and his performances have caught the eye well beyond Wearside in recent weeks.
Ballard currently leads the entire Premier League with his tally of 46 duels won, and also tops the statistics for aerial duels won, with 26 to his name, as per Squawka.
Sunderland know that he will be a huge miss if he is forced out of action, but that is the prospect that they are facing right now.
Sunderland will 'struggle' to reject 'huge' Brian Brobbey offer
Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that his former club may "struggle" to reject offers for striker Brian Brobbey in 2027.
The Dutchman has continued to build an impressive reputation for himself, and recently netted a hat-trick in the 5-3 defeat to Manchester City.
Brown believes that Sunderland would be tempted by a "huge" offer for Brobbey, with Tottenham beginning to take a growing interest in him.
However, the ex-recruitment boss made it clear that the Black Cats should not worry about a potential January exit, and must focus on trying to keep their star beyond next summer.