Ballard set to feature on Sunderland’s US tour after injury scare
Sunderland will take a fit Dan Ballard on their upcoming US tour after the defender missed the 5-1 thrashing at York City. Régis Le Bris confirmed the centre-back will rejoin full training next week and get his first minutes in America.
Ballard had ankle surgery earlier this year after his 2025/26 season ended early following a red card in the 1-1 draw with Wolves. He has been back on Wearside with his team-mates for the past fortnight but did not play at the LNER Community Stadium. Le Bris said the defender remains firmly on track.
Mundle’s York absence purely precautionary
Romaine Mundle’s absence at York was purely precautionary. He trained last week and was fit, but it was considered a little too soon to play after surgery. Sunderland are taking a cautious approach after two major hamstring injuries last season.
Patterson’s future still up in the air
Anthony Patterson was not involved as his long-term future is unresolved. There is interest from a number of Championship clubs, but none have matched Sunderland’s valuation. He has been training at the Academy of Light and appears highly unlikely to travel to the US.
Hjelde knee issue under review after York exit
Leo Hjelde will be assessed in the coming days after going off in the second half at York. Sunderland did not take risks after he felt pain and discomfort in his right knee.
