“It’s not great.” Mike Dodds reveals Sunderland injury blow following Southampton defeat.
Sunderland’s success is unprecedented.
Southampton defeated the Black Cats for the sixth time in a row in the Championship on Saturday, leaving Dodds’ side nine points above the relegation zone ahead of a tough encounter at home to QPR next weekend.
Sunderland fell down by two goals at St Mary’s, including a contentious penalty from Adam Armstrong.
Romaine Mundle equalized with his first senior goal, before Jobe Bellingham curled a shot into the top corner from range.
However, Joe Rothwell scored a fast double to secure a 4-2 victory over Southampton.
Mike Dodds confirms Dan Ballard’s injury blow to Sunderland
Yesterday’s game had few positives and numerous drawbacks.
Sunderland lacked significant bite in attack but showed tenacity to go back on equal terms after the interval, with the opening hour underlining the team’s lack of offensive quality.
Dan Ballard’s exit in the second half was a negative aspect of the game. Despite attempting to remain on, he was quickly removed.
And Dodds has now announced that the Northern Ireland international has sustained a hamstring injury, the severity of which is unknown.
Dodds informed We Are Sunderland:
“Dan attempted to play on, but I don’t want to throw gasoline to the fire since I don’t know what’s going on.
“He came off with a hamstring injury, which isn’t ideal. I don’t want to comment on whether it’s small or significant right now since he’ll be examined on Monday.
“He’s strapped in at the moment, and he’s calm inside himself; he’s not terribly concerned, but we’ll see. “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Sunderland face defense problem for QPR.
Next Saturday, Sunderland will welcome QPR at the Stadium of Light.
However, Dodds now appears to be without Ballard, as well as Luke O’Nien, who is suspended, which presents a bit of a defensive concern.
Jenson Seelt will undoubtedly hold his position, while Trai Hume is expected to be the guy Dodds moves into the midfield, perhaps opening up a rare start for Timothee Pembele.
Hume is a steady player, which lessens the sting of losing Ballard. However, Ballard’s absence from the team is a significant setback.
He’s a dominating defender who provides much-needed stability and leadership to the backline, particularly in the absence of O’Nien.
And not having Hume at right-back is another reason for concern, especially given Pembele’s inexperience in the Championship.
So Sunderland is going through a difficult period right now, and a loss to QPR might really drag the Black Cats down.
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