This is why Dan Ballard was on crutches during Sunderland celebrations | OneFootball

Dan Ballard was on crutches during Sunderland's end-of-season celebrations because he has had ankle surgery, and the club are hopeful he will be ready for pre-season.

On Sunday afternoon he joined team-mates on the Stadium of Light pitch to mark a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification. According to Sunderland Echo, the defender recently underwent the procedure and is now in recovery.

Ballard missed the final three Premier League matches after a controversial red card at Wolves, issued for violent conduct following a VAR review. The referee ruled he had pulled the hair of Tolu Arokodare.

That absence created a window for surgery, letting him start rehabilitation before the squad reconvenes. He will be assessed over the coming weeks.

Despite lengthy fitness problems earlier in the season, Regis Le Bris's group has been close to full strength in recent weeks. Romaine Mundle remains the only long-term absentee with a hamstring injury, and Sunderland have opted for a cautious approach to have him ready to play a full part in pre-season. As it stands, he remains on track.

Source: Sunderland Echo