Sunderland has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming match against Middlesbrough, with Dan Ballard likely to be fit after a concerning injury scare during the game against Plymouth. Following the match, Ballard was seen leaving Home Park on crutches and wearing a protective boot, raising concerns about his condition. However, head coach Regis Le Bris confirmed that these measures were merely precautionary, and Ballard has made a good recovery.

As a result, Ballard is anticipated to start against Boro this weekend, which is a relief for the team. In terms of other injury news, midfielder Alan Browne will miss this match but is expected to return to action shortly. Browne is only anticipated to be sidelined for about a week. He attended a question-and-answer session at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening alongside Sunderland’s other summer signings, albeit with his leg in a protective brace.

Le Bris commented on the situation, saying, “Ballard should be OK for this weekend, and for Browney, we need at least one more week for him to be available.” This update provides a positive outlook for Sunderland, as both players are integral to the team’s plans.

Additionally, there is optimism surrounding Salis Abdul Samed, who was signed on deadline day. The midfielder is expected to rejoin training within the week as he recovers from his own injury. His return could further enhance Sunderland’s midfield options as they look to build momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

With Ballard’s recovery and the potential return of Browne next week, Sunderland will be aiming to make a strong statement against Middlesbrough. The team is eager to capitalize on this good news and turn their season around, particularly with the squad beginning to regain its strength and depth. As the weekend approaches, the focus will be on maintaining fitness levels and ensuring that the players are ready to perform at their best. Overall, the latest updates signal a positive trend for Sunderland as they prepare for an important match.