‘It’s a problem’ – Gus Poyet reacts to potential Sunderland injury blow after international setback

Former Sunderland manager Gus Poyet described Dan Ballard's potential injury absence as a problem for the Black Cats. The 27-year-old centre-back pulled up in added time during Northern Ireland's 1-0 victory over Georgia and left the stadium on crutches. Ballard was subsequently ruled out of his nation's remaining fixtures and returned to Wearside for medical assessment.

Poyet highlighted the constant managerial concern over international injuries while wishing Ballard a speedy recovery. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill stated that Ballard must undergo evaluations by Sunderland's medical staff, expressing optimism that the defender could return when international fixtures resume in November.