Dan Ballard injured: Every game the Sunderland defender will miss after troubling news

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Credit: Imago Sun 28 December 2025 16:00, UK Dan Ballard has been one of Sunderland’s best players to date this season.The defender has been colossal at the back throughout the campaign, and his performances have helped the Black Cats shoot up the Premier League table.As a result, there has been talk of Sunderland even qualifying for Europe this season, an unthinkable prospect in the summer.However, these ambitions have now taken a blow after it was confirmed before the Leeds clash that Ballard had picked up an injury.BIG. BALLARD. pic.twitter.com/zaTG0w4KIB— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 8, 2025 Dan Ballard set to miss seven matches for Sunderland Given how good Ballard has been for Sunderland, any time on the sidelines for the defender is a huge blow for Regis Le Bris.According to BBC Sport Tyne and Wear via X, the centre-back is now set to miss the next five weeks of action.— BBC Sport Tyne & Wear (@bbcnewcastle) December 28, 2025 Including the Leeds United match, from which he was excluded, the defender could now miss up to seven matches for the Black Cats.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES This includes an away day to Everton in the FA Cup, currently scheduled for 10 January.OpponentHome/awayDate LeedsHome 28 DecemberMan CityHome 1 JanuaryTottenhamAway4 JanuaryBrentfordAway 7 JanuaryEverton Away 10 JanuaryCrystal PalaceHome 17 JanuaryWest HamAway 24 JanuaryBallard is set to miss a host of matches this month If Ballard is fit again in five weeks, his first game back will come on 2 February, when Sunderland travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.Dennis Cirkin to have chance to impress?Dennis Cirkin was given his first minutes of the season against Leeds as he looked to fill Ballard’s boots.It was a big task for the defender who had missed almost all of the season to date with an injury.Now, Ballard’s issue could present a key opportunity for the defender.Cirkin had been linked with a Sunderland departure as the Black Cats continue to move on from their promotion-winning team.However, if Cirkin is able to put in a string of strong performances while Ballard is injured, it could help save his career at the Stadium of Light.Hopefully, if he is given the chance, the 23-year-old will take it and force his way back into Le Bris’ plans permanently.