Overview
- Manager Régis Le Bris said Ballard had an initial scan and will undergo further tests as pain persists, with a diagnosis expected Monday.
- BBC Sport Tyne and Wear reports he could be sidelined for up to five weeks, which would see him miss multiple league games and an FA Cup tie at Everton on 10 January.
- Cirkin stepped in for the 1-1 at the Stadium of Light, with pundit Gary Bennett calling Ballard a "huge miss" and critiquing defensive gaps on Leeds’ equaliser.
- The Northern Ireland international had played every Premier League minute for Sunderland since early October and has been a standout in their back line.
- Sunderland remain unbeaten at home and are seventh in the Premier League following the Leeds result.