Sunderland defender Ballard may miss start of season

Dan Ballard has had a 'minor procedure' after injuring his knee at the weekend

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard could miss the start of the season after picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly.

The Northern Ireland international injured his knee in a game against South Shields at the weekend and was sent to London to see a specialist.

Ballard was due to join up with the rest of the squad in a training camp in Spain after his medical appointment, but after undergoing what the club call a "minor procedure" has returned to the north east to begin rehabilitation.

The injury is expected to keep him out of action for up to six weeks, with Sunderland beginning their Championship campaign at Cardiff City on August 10.