Sunderland: Extent of Alan Browne injury revealed with Middlesbrough and Watford fixtures in mind | OneFootball

The Irish international was seen in a leg brace earlier this week

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has allayed any injury issues surrounding Alan Browne, with the midfielder’s injury prognosis said to be better than initially feared.

The Irish international will miss out on this weekend’s Wear-Tees clash against Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, according to the Sunderland Echo, but could be back as early as next weekend’s clash against Watford.

Browne came off the bench in the 3-2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle last weekend, but is said to have been complaining about discomfort in his knee before tests were carried out this week.

Le Bris also added an update on Dan Ballard, with the defender likely to be involved in the upcoming clash with Boro despite picking up a knock in last weekend’s clash at Home Park.

Regis Le Bris offers Alan Browne encouragement after injury setback

There were initial fears that Browne could have been out for some time when he was spotted in a brace earlier this week, so the news that he may only miss one game will be a welcome realisation for the Black Cats.

With Le Bris confirming that the midfielder should only miss one week of action, there could be a return for the 29-year-old for the trip to Vicarage Road next weekend, before back-to-back home matches against Derby County and Leeds United.

Since arriving from Preston North End in the summer, Browne has featured in four of his side’s opening five matches, with his domineering performances in midfield contributing towards a start that saw Sunderland win their first four matches of the season.

In a fixture as hotly contested as the one against Boro, the loss of the experienced campaigner will be tough to take, but Le Bris has confirmed his absence could lead to recalls for Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba to the squad.

The pair have been absent for each of the last three matchday squads after summer moves away from the club failed to go through, but their boss has claimed there could be a way back into action.

Speaking via the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “We have Adil, Abdoullah, Milan as well is available.

“So it's a question of the dynamic, the momentum of the game - so we will see. Adil and Abdoullah are with us until the next transfer window, so they have my trust as players of Sunderland and players who have qualities to play and perform in the game.

“Because they had the opportunity to leave, they needed to reconnect to the project and I like their behaviour in the training sessions this week.”

Regis Le Bris hopeful of Dan Ballard involvement in Middlesbrough clash

Despite playing the 90 minutes in Devon, Ballard was seen leaving Home Park on crutches last weekend, sparking fears of an injury layoff for the defender.

The 24-year-old has since been assessed this week, with Le Bris claiming that the ex-Arsenal man ‘should be OK’ (Sunderland Echo) to feature at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Ballard had already missed the start of the Mackems’ season after picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly against South Shields, with a knock to his knee needing minor surgery to rectify.

The defender has since started three matches so far this season, and looks to be in contention to keep his place this weekend despite earlier doubts about his fitness.