Le Bris updates on injury to key Sunderland defender.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has provided an update on Daniel Ballard’s injury, after the defender missed their 1-1 draw with Leeds United. “We will see the diagnosis on Monday,” Le Bris confirmed.

“He got a kick against Brighton and was not available today.”Until tonight, the Northern Ireland international had played every Premier League minute for Sunderland since early October.

However, the crucial defender was not included in the team for the match against Leeds.

The French coach went on to say, “Yeah, it’s similar to this; he had a first scan.However, because he continues to endure pain, we must investigate further.

“This is a typical voyage for a Premier League squad.

There were numerous occasions like that in the Championship last season, and we still need players off the bench.” In Ballard’s absence, Dennis Cirkin entered the lineup. The 23-year-old made his first first-team appearance since the playoff final.

His boss said, “I think Dennis played well on his Premier League debut. “It’s important. He also works very hard behind the scenes.

“It was a long process to get better, to get connected once again with the squad.” The Black Cats already have a weakened squad, with several players competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It would have done,” Le Bris replied when asked if their presence would have made a difference versus Leeds.”Because we can’t redo the story, expectations for this AFCON are somewhat balanced.

I believe the players are displaying good character. I repeat: that was not an easy game.”You need to learn from different experiences and I think this one will help us for the future.”

The draw with Leeds will hardly be remembered as Sunderland’s greatest result of the season.

Nonetheless, they will remain unbeaten at home entering the new year. Le Bris said, “The dressing room was a little disappointed, which is a good sign.”

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com