It is no coincidence that when Daniel Ballard hobbled out in the second half of Sunderland’s previous away game against Southampton, the Black Cats utterly collapsed.
The Sunderland number five’s absence was felt near the conclusion of the game, particularly when Joe Rothwell for Russell Martin’s side scored a quickfire double to give the Saints a 4-2 triumph and another defeat for interim manager Mike Dodds.
The underperforming Black Cats, who have now lost six consecutive Championship games, will hope that Ballard is not out for an extended period of time.
If the feared hamstring injury keeps the ex-Arsenal teenager out for the foreseeable future, Dodds may look to the youngsters available to him at the Stadium of Light to boldly add more bodies to the heart of the defence.
The young talent who could replace Ballard
Dodds isn’t afraid to give those rising stars at Wearside a chance to shine, as evidenced by 16-year-old Chris Rigg starting the interim manager’s last two Championship games in the middle of the park.
Dan Ballard has a hamstring injury, Dodds confirmed after the game.
Too soon to tell the severity. Obviously a big concern with L09 already suspended next weekend.#SAFC
— Phil Smith (@Phil__Smith) March 9, 2024
Henry Fieldson, an 18-year-old centre-back who has been a standout for the U21s this season, could be the next to gain attention.
After making 50 appearances for the U18s and scoring two goals while venturing forward from the back, Fieldson has adapted well to the U21 mix in recent seasons.
Fieldson has made nine appearances in that age group this season, with one appearance seeing the homegrown talent slide into the starting lineup as defensive midfield against Nottingham Forest.
When Academy manager Robin Nicholls signed Fieldson to a professional Sunderland contract last year, he described him as having the qualities of a “real leader.” Dodds might be interested in seeing what Fieldson is made of now if he puts the 18-year-old in the Championship.
With Luke O’Nien also suspended for Sunderland’s next game and Ballard’s injury yet unknown in its full severity, Fieldson could be offered this opportunity sooner rather than later as this weekend’s crucial battle with Queens Park Rangers approaches.
Everything good that is coming out of Sunderland right now, despite their bleak second-tier situation, can be attributed to the development of great young players at the Stadium of Light.
Jobe Bellingham, in particular, continues to be a shining light amidst all the sadness and gloom on Wearside, with the ex-Birmingham City youth putting in a fantastic performance last time out despite his side’s unfortunate loss.
If Bellingham can thrive in the first-team setup at the same age as Fieldson, it would not be surprising to see the talented centre-back given opportunities to showcase his talent away from Premier League 2 action soon.
Dodds will, of course, be wary of giving too many starlets too many minutes in quick succession, with the lack of wins at the Stadium of Light making for depressing reading right now, but Fieldson could emerge and give Sunderland more options regardless, especially if Ballard is revealed to be a long-term casualty in the treatment room.
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