Ballard back for Sunderland while trio close in on returns | OneFootball

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard is available to return for the game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Ballard has missed the last two games for Sunderland with a hamstring issue but has returned to training this week.

“Ballard is fully fit,” Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said.

“He has trained normally this week, so available for selection.

“Dan is available but we don’t have to rush the process at the minute, which is good. He is available for selection, but you understand the dynamic of the group. Even for Ballard, I think it’s key to build this fitness level rather than to rush the process now.”

Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and Jocelin Ta Bi still remain sidelined, however, though are close to being able to return too.

“For Nilson, Bertrand and Jocelin, still sidelined but really close to reconnecting with the squad,” Le Bris said.

“Probably around the Forest game, a bit before or maybe a bit after, they’ll be able to join part or full training sessions.

“It’s really positive for Jocelin because we thought he would be back just before the Chelsea game in training, but he has recovered really quickly. It’s positive for us and very impressive.”