Régis Le Bris gives Dan Ballard return timeline and Sunderland injury updates after York City win | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris said Dan Ballard will rejoin full training next week and will get his first minutes on Sunderland’s upcoming USA tour. The update followed a 5-1 win at York City that opened pre-season.

Ballard had ankle surgery earlier this year after his 2025/26 campaign ended early with a red card in the 1-1 draw with Wolves. He has trained on Wearside for the past fortnight but did not feature at York.

Le Bris added that Romaine Mundle’s absence was purely precautionary. After two major hamstring injuries last season and recent surgery, the winger trained last week but it was deemed too soon to play.

Anthony Patterson was not involved while his long-term future is addressed. He has interest from Championship clubs and is training at the Academy of Light, but no side has met Sunderland’s valuation and he appears highly unlikely to travel to the USA.

Leo Hjelde will be assessed in the coming days after being forced off in the second half at York. Sunderland avoided risks after he felt minor pain and discomfort in his right knee.

Source: Sunderland Echo