Dan Ballard has handed Sunderland AFC a second injury blow within the space of a day, as he seemingly picked up a hamstring issue late on in Northern Ireland's Nations League clash with Georgia on Friday evening.
It comes after Brian Brobbey was subbed off just 35 minutes into the Netherlands' match against Germany on Thursday night with the same problem. The Black Cats' talisman was spotted clutching at his leg as he lay on the pitch of the Johan Cruyff Arena before receiving treatment from medical staff.
While the 24-year-old was able to make his own way off the hallowed turf, he was spotted limping heavily as he walked down the tunnel with assistance.
Xavi confirms Brobbey injury
Head coach, Xavi, confirmed the worst in the aftermath of the encounter, which finished 1-1 thanks to goals from Felix Nmecha and Cody Gakpo. He told the media: "Brian is indeed injured, unfortunately, so we will call up another striker. We haven’t decided who yet; I haven’t had time for that yet."
Brobbey has since returned to Wearside for further treatment, with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee taking his place within the national team.
Ballard limps off for Northern Ireland
And now, Sunderland centre-half, Ballard, has also seemingly picked up a hamstring injury of his own - further compounding the Premier League club's problems.
The 27-year-old was seen running for the ball alongside Georges Mikautadze late into Friday's game between Northern Ireland and Georgia at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, overstretching before immediately grabbing the back of his thigh.
The defender required assistance as he limped off the pitch, with Paddy McNair taking his place.
Busy October schedule ahead
It comes as Sunderland fans will hope that Brobbey and Ballard make a speedy recovery, with a jam-packed October schedule awaiting after the international break.
The Black Cats play host to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, October 10, before travelling to Torreense in the Europa League five days later.
After a three-day lay-off, the club are back in action against Bournemouth in the English top flight. Further matches against Lech Poznan, Leeds United, Brentford and Coventry City make up the rest of October's outings for Regis Le Bris' men.
