Sunderland suspensions could benefit key defender after international return

One player who will likely benefit from the host of suspensions at Sunderland is Dan Ballard. The centre-back has had a stop-start season at the club this term, with injury blighting his campaign so far.

But the Black Cats will be facing Millwall with Patrick Roberts, Jobe Bellingham and, significantly, Trai Hume, all out through suspension while injury concerns are also threatening others in the team. Head coach Regis Le Bris has been understandably reluctant to break up such a consistent back four but Hume’s absence is bound to mean the inclusion of Ballard in east London.

Ballard picked up a knee injury in the summer which sidelined him for the start of the campaign. Then in September, Ballard sustained 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.

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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 on Friday night and Luxembourg in the Nations League.

He could join Hume in the XI, as 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.

Other players could get a look in at Millwall too. There’s the likes of 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 Ballard, who has made just five Championship appearances this season, is a likely starter for the Millwall match.