Every game Dan Ballard could miss as Sunderland injury update emerges

Dan Ballard is set to be sidelined for Sunderland's next six games as Regis Le Bris deals with an injury crisis of sorts on Wearside.

Ballard has been a regular for Sunderland in recent seasons and is one of Le Bris' most important players.

The 27-year-old has dealt with recurring injury issues over the years, with those woes rearing their head once more in the last few weeks.

He appeared to strain a hamstring during the closing stages of Northern Ireland's 1-0 victory over Georgia on 25 September.

Ballard instantly returned to Sunderland for medical tests and is now confirmed to be out until the last week of October.

The Black Cats' hectic schedule means he is set to miss several key league and European clashes in the coming weeks.

Dan Ballard missing for next 'few weeks' after Regis Le Bris update

Ballard has started at centre-back in each of Sunderland's first five games of the campaign.

He made 31 appearances last term as they returned to the top flight, missing eight games and over 50 days with separate knee and hamstring problems.

His immediate future on the pitch has been in doubt over the last few weeks, with Black Cats boss Le Bris providing an update on his current condition ahead of Saturday's home clash against Brighton.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, he said: "It's a shame for Ballard, because he was in a good place. He will be sidelined for a few weeks. It's a medium-term injury."

Football Insider have looked at the games that he is set to miss this month.

- 10 October: Brighton (H), Premier League

- 15 October: Torreense (a), Europa League

- 18 October: Bournemouth (a), Premier League

- 22 October: Lech Poznan (a), Europa League

- 25 October: Leeds (H), Premier League

- 28 October: Brentford (H), Carabao Cup

What is the latest on Sunderland's other injured players?

Sunderland fans were also concerned over the status of several other key men during the international break.

Brian Brobbey had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad around the same time as Ballard, while Wilson Isidor and Noah Sadiki were each reported as dealing with minor issues in their respective home countries.

Le Bris has now confirmed that neither Isidor nor Sadiki are dealing with issues ahead of the visit of Brighton, while Brobbey is only out for another week and Habib Diarra is also set to return to the squad after this weekend.