Ballard ruled out of final two games of 2024

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris says defender Dan Ballard will miss their remaining December games due to injury.

The 25-year-old hobbled off during the Black Cats' victory over Norwich City on Saturday after a collision with the Canaries' top scorer, Borja Sainz.

Sunderland are scheduled to take on Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City before the turn of the year.

"Dan will be unavailable." Le Bris said.

"It's difficult to say how long he will be out exactly, probably two weeks at least. Maybe a little bit more."

Ballard joined Sunderland from Arsenal in 2022 and this season has made 12 appearances.