Sunderland manager Mike Dodds has disclosed a new injury blow for his team.
When it rains, it pours in Sunderland.
Southampton defeated the Black Cats for the sixth time in a row in the Championship on Saturday, leaving Dodds’ side nine points above the relegation zone ahead of a tough game at home to QPR next weekend.
Sunderland trailed by two goals at halftime at St Mary’s, the second coming from a contentious Adam Armstrong penalty.
Romaine Mundle equalized with his first senior goal, before Jobe Bellingham curled a shot into the top corner from range.
However, Joe Rothwell scored a quick double to secure a 4-2 victory over Southampton.
Mike Dodds confirms Dan Ballard injury blow for Sunderland
Yesterday’s game had few positives and several negatives.
Sunderland lacked significant bite in attack but showed tenacity to go back on equal terms after the interval, with the first hour underlining the team’s lack of attacking quality.
Another negative from the game was Dan Ballard’s departure in the second half; the huge centre-back pulled up on the half-way line and attempted to remain on, but was quickly replaced.
And Dodds has now announced that the Northern Ireland international has suffered a hamstring injury, the severity of which is unknown.
Dodds informed We Are Sunderland:
“Dan tried to play on, but I don’t want to throw gasoline to the fire because I don’t know what’s going on.
“He came off with a hamstring injury, which isn’t ideal. I don’t want to comment on whether it’s small or major right now since he’ll be assessed on Monday.
“He’s strapped in at the moment, and he’s calm inside himself; he’s not terribly concerned, but we’ll see. “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Sunderland facing defender crisis for QPR
Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light next weekend to host QPR.
However, Dodds now appears to be without Ballard, as well as Luke O’Nien, who is suspended, which presents a bit of a defensive concern.
Jenson Seelt will undoubtedly hold his spot, while Trai Hume is expected to be the guy Dodds moves into the middle, potentially opening up a rare start for Timothee Pembele.
Hume is a dependable player, which lessens the sting of losing Ballard. However, Ballard’s absence from the team is a significant setback.
He’s a dominating defender who provides much-needed security and leadership to the backline, particularly in the absence of O’Nien.
And not having Hume at right-back is also cause for concern, especially given Pembele’s inexperience in the Championship.
So Sunderland is going through a difficult period right now, and a loss to QPR might really drag the Black Cats down.
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