Sunderland left reeling by 'nightmare' Dan Ballard blow

Sunderland have major concerns about injuries after Dan Ballard suffered a hamstring injury on international duty.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has admitted he is hoping the centre-back will be fit for the November international break, suggesting a quick return could be on the cards.

However, that would mean the centre-back would miss at least a month of football for Regis Le Bris' side, altough an official prognosis has not yet been confirmed.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that losing Ballard will be a "huge blow" for Sunderland in what is turning out to be a "nightmare" break.

The centre-back has completed the full 90 minutes in all five of Sunderland's Premier League games so far this season, and came off the bench in their Europa League win.

Losing his stature and authority at the back is sure to cause issues for Le Bris' side, who will be hoping Ballard is not ruled out for any significant period of time.

How important is Dan Ballard to Sunderland?

Football Insider revealed on 28 Septemer that Ballard is facing months on the sidelines after what has come as a "crushing blow" both to the centre-back and his club.

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, and will be assessed by Sunderland's staff, but there are concerns that his absence will come as a major blow.

"It's incredibly frustrating when players go on international duty and come back injured," Brown told Football Insider.

"It seems like this break has been a nightmare for Sunderland, because there's only been one or two games and they've already picked up some really bad injuries.

"Dan Ballard looked like a bad one, the way he went down, and that will come as a huge blow because he's such a big part of what they do.

"His presence at the back is so important for them defensively, and they'll miss that leadership and drive that he gives them, so he's going to be a really big miss for them.

"They'll be hoping things aren't as bad as they fear, but they'll have to wait and see if they can assess him after he returns to them."

Which other Sunderland players have raised concerns?

Ballard is not the only player who has suffered an injury while on international duty in the last week, after Brian Brobbey also suffered a blow with the Netherlands.

The striker was withdrawn during the UEFA Nations League clash with Germany after what appeared to be a hamstring injury, the same as Ballard suffered later on.

His absence will come as another significant blow to Sunderland, as he had just started to hit form following a hattrick in the 5-3 defeat against Man City.

That hattrick is believed to have attracted interest from potential suitors including Man United and Tottenham, but Sunderland could now be set to lose him earlier than expected.

While there has been no confirmation about the extent of Brobbey's injury, he will return to the Stadium of Light and will not participate again during the international break.