Dan Ballard
SUNNorthern Ireland
Right
Sep 22, 1999
26
6'2"
187 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
SunderlandUnavailable versus Newcastle
Ballard (hamstring) didn't make Sunderland's squad list to face Newcastle United on Sunday.
Analysis: Ballard was facing a late fitness call and didn't pass, ending a streak of five consecutive starts. He'll look to recover during the break ahead of April 12's game versus Tottenham. Lutsharel Geertruida is taking his place.
Late call for Sunday
Ballard (hamstring) is a late call for Sunday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "They are working hard behind the scenes to be ready for the game. We have to make medical decisions because we still have a lot of games to play after this one, as well as an international break."
Analysis: Ballard had to leave the last match with a hamstring injury and remains questionable moving forward, with the defender now a late call. He will likely face some testing ahead of the match, with that to decide if he can play or not, potentially losing a regular starter. With the international break on the horizon, it appears they are unlikely to risk his health if not fit, leaving Lutsharel Geertruida and Luke O'Nien as possible replacements if Ballard remains out.
Exits with hamstring discomfort
Ballard was forced off in the 64th minute of Saturday's 1-0 loss against Brighton due to hamstring discomfort, according to coach Regis Le Bris, per the Sunderland Echo. "Dan had discomfort with his hamstring, so we hope it isn't too serious."
Analysis: Ballard lasted just over an hour Saturday before being forced off in the 64th minute with hamstring discomfort. The coaching staff hopes the issue is minor so he can be available for Sunday's derby against Newcastle United. That said, if he has to miss time to recover it would be a real blow for the Black Cats since he is an undisputed starter in the back line and his absence would likely force a reshuffle in the starting setup, with Luke O'Nien expected to see increased playing time.
Signs extension
Ballard has inked an extension with Sunderland, according to his club.
Analysis: Ballard is going to be sticking around Sunderland for a few more years to come, with the defender inking a deal until 2029. He has worked into a starting role this season, notching 20 starts in 24 appearances this campaign to go along with five clean sheets. He has proven to be solid in first season in the Premier League, a good addition down the road for the club.
Creates chance
Ballard registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Analysis: Ballard created a rare chance during Wednesday's loss, as well as taking a shot. The defender isn't normally involved going forward in any capacity, and for the most part he was a stalwart defensively Wednesday. He blocked plenty of shots and shut down numerous dangerous Liverpool chances.
Doing fine following return
Ballard (ankle) is doing fine after returning in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Tottenham following his injury, coach Regis Le Bris said in the press conference. "He got through Sunday's test. We're happy to have him back with the group."
Analysis: Ballard missed two games recently due to an ankle injury but featured 24 minutes in Sunday's draw against Spurs, contributing two clearances and is doing fine following that game. Ballard has been an undisputed starter for the Black Cats since early October and could find back a starting role in Wednesday's clash against Brentford.
Fit for bench
Ballard (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Tottenham.
Analysis: Ballard is fit for Sunday despite being expected to miss out, with the defender an option from the bench. He has been a starter when fit this season, likely to work back into starting minutes after testing his legs.
Unlikely to play against Tottenham
Ballard (ankle) is not expected to appear in the weekend's matchup versus Tottenham as his fitness continues to be monitored, according to the team's official website.
Analysis: Ballard looks set to miss his third consecutive game while dealing with an issue he picked up in December. He was a key piece of his side's back line before getting hurt, but they have still performed well with the center-back pairing of Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele, both of whom should continue to feature until Ballard is back in contention.
Getting better, not ready
Ballard (ankle) is out for Thursday's match against Manchester City but is nearing a potential return next match, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "He is getting better but he won't be available for tomorrow. We hope he is available for the next fixture but it is not serious."
Analysis: Ballard will miss another match as he recovers from injury, a second consecutive match missed due to his ankle problems. However, the good news is he appears to be on the recovery and in for a potential return next match, facing Tottenham on Jan. 4. This will depend on his recovery in the upcoming days, hoping to regain a starter back, with Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele likely to start at center-back until he returns.
Ankle injury confirmed
Ballard is dealing with an ankle injury that is keeping him out of Sunday's match against Leeds, reports Andy Sixsmith.
Analysis: Ballard was a surprise absence when lineups dropped as a key member of Sunderland's starting XI when fit. The defender will know more about the extent of his injury on Monday.
Out Sunday
Ballard is not in the squad to face Leeds on Sunday due to an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Ballard is a massive miss for the club as he is a steady presence in the heart of defense week in and week out. Dennis Cirkin enters the starting XI in Ballard's absence with the defender's status one to monitor moving forward during a busy fixture period in the Premier League.
Two shots in 0-0 draw
Ballard generated two shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Brighton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 79th minute.
Analysis: Ballard had a strong performance as he helped Sunderland to a clean sheet. He won all four of his tackles and made six clearances. The defender also managed to put both of his shots on target but was unable to score as he has on two occasions this season.
Eight clearances in clean sheet
Ballard recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Ballard secured his third clean sheet while leading the team with eight clearances, extending his streak of at least two clearances in all 11 of his starts. He also added one tackle and one interception, and came close to scoring with a header from Granit Xhaka's cross that went over the bar.
Scores on lone shot
Ballard scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Arsenal.
Analysis: The defender put his lone shot in the back of the net in what turned out to be a key draw for Sunderland. Ballard should remain involved offensively and has a good chance to score in two weeks against Fulham, a team which has allowed 16 goals in 11 matches.
Clean sheet with defensive display
Ballard had one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Ballard got his first start since returning from an early injury in his second game in August and secured his second clean sheet. The defender delivered a notable defensive performance, winning a tackle, blocking two shots and adding six clearances. Attacking-wise, he created two chances and took one shot, adding to his six shots and two chances created in his previous five appearances, while scoring one goal.
Fit for bench
Ballard (groin) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Ballard is an option Sunday as expected, with the defender earning a spot on the bench after two games out due to a groin injury. He did start in the opening two games of the season and will look to return to that role, but may have fallen out of favor, with Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele taking over the starting roles in the middle of the defense.
Option for Sunday
Ballard (groin) is an option for Sunday's match against Aston Villa, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Ballard has been out the past two weeks with a groin injury but is now set for a return Sunday, shaking off his issues to face Aston Villa. This is huge news for the club, as he started in their first two games of the campaign. That said, he will hope to see the start in his return, likely to take the spot of Nordi Mukiele in the defense if chosen to start.
Could be back against Aston Villa
Ballard (groin) is expected to be back for the game against Aston Villa, coach Regis Le Bris said in the press conference. "We expect to see him back against Aston Villa."
Analysis: Ballard is dealing with a groin injury and will miss a second Premier League game in a row as he is expected to be back available for the game against Aston Villa on Sept. 21. That said, Nordi Mukiele will be the one replacing him in central defense until he returns fully fit to compete for his spot.
Out two to three weeks
Ballard (groin) suffered an injury that is not considered serious and is expected to be out for two to three weeks, coach Regis Le Bris said in a press conference. "It's not too serious, so we expect him to be out for two to three weeks."
Analysis: Ballard suffered a groin injury at the very beginning of Saturday's game, and exams earlier in the week revealed only a minor issue that will keep him out for two to three weeks. Until he fully recovers and returns fit, Jenson Seelt is expected to replace him in central defense for Sunderland.
Receives scan
Ballard (groin) is still awaiting the results of his scans, and the status of his injury remains unclear, according to manager Regis Le Bris.
Analysis: Ballard went down over the weekend with an apparent groin injury and is still not clear on his status ahead of Saturday's match, with the defender still awaiting the results of his scans. The hope will be that his issues are minor, as he is a regular starter this campaign. He was replaced by Jenson Seelt on Saturday, a possible replacement moving forward if Ballard is sidelined.
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