Sunderland handed fresh injury concern ahead of Stoke City clash
Sunderland have a fresh injury concern ahead of the weekend, with Dan Ballard a potential doubt to face Stoke City.
Ballard is currently away on international duty with Northern Ireland.
The nation beat San Marino 3-0 over the weekend and are due to play Slovenia is another Euro qualifier tonight.
Though Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has suggested that Ballard could be a doubt for the game, having picked up a thigh concern following the win over San Marino.
As quoted by Sunderland Echo, the former Stoke City boss said of Ballard:
"He woke up with a tightness in his thigh which we have just had to manage over the last 48 hours.
"It's not like he was playing through something because obviously, we could have taken him off, but he didn't alert us to anything. It is just something that has come on post-game."
A concern for Mowbray...
Tony Mowbray will certainly be fearful of Ballard picking up another injury.
The 24-year-old spent the bulk of last season on the sidelined but has since returned to action, having instantly reminded fans of his quality.
Mowbray will surely prefer O'Neill to rest Ballard should be not be at 100% ahead of tonight's game, but with a Euro campaign to try and qualify for, Ballard will surely want to play his part.
International games are always a concern for club bosses. Mowbray and many other managers will be praying that their players return from international duty unscathed and ready to hit the ground running at club level.
Sunderland travel to Alex Neil's Stoke City this weekend.
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