Sunderland’s Dan Ballard ruled out as Northern Ireland suffer World Cup play-off blow | OneFootball

Sunderland centre-back Dan Ballard has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Italy because of a hamstring injury.

According to Sunderland Echo, the defender was hurt during the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, went off in the second half, and missed Sunday’s Tyne-Wear Derby win at Newcastle United. He had initially been included in Michael O’Neill’s travelling group for Bergamo.

Northern Ireland have called up 19-year-old Tom Atcheson to replace him in the 28-man group. The Blackburn Rovers defender, working under O’Neill at club level on an interim basis, is uncapped but has represented youth sides.

Ballard’s absence adds to the losses of Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley and Preston North End defender Jamal Lewis for the Italy clash. Lewis has recently undergone ankle surgery.

O’Neill had earlier said the exact extent of Ballard’s problem was unclear and that his staff were liaising with clubs over several injuries. He also expressed hope that players who missed the weekend for their clubs might recover in time.

The winner on Thursday will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a place at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Source: Sunderland Echo