Why Dan Ballard was on crutches during Sunderland celebrations | OneFootball

Sunderland are hopeful Dan Ballard will be fit for pre-season after ankle surgery, which is why he appeared on crutches during Sunday’s Stadium of Light celebrations for a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification.

According to Sunderland Echo, the centre-back missed the final three Premier League matches after a controversial red card at Wolves, issued for violent conduct when, after a VAR review, the referee ruled he had pulled the hair of Tolu Arokodare.

That suspension created a window for surgery and recovery before the squad reconvenes. He will be assessed over the coming weeks, and the club remain hopeful the problem will not stop him being ready for the new campaign.

Although injuries have been a theme at times this season, Régis Le Bris’s side have been close to full strength in recent weeks as they ended a stellar campaign on a high. Romaine Mundle has been the only long-term absentee with a hamstring issue, with a cautious plan aimed at full involvement in pre-season, and he remains on track.

Goalkeeper Simon Moore has been sidelined with a broken hand. He will stay at the club next season, with a one-year extension option in his contract understood to have been triggered.

Source: Sunderland Echo