Overview
- Ballard was ruled out before the 1-1 draw with Leeds United, ending a run of playing every Premier League minute since early October.
- Dennis Cirkin made his first Premier League start as Ballard’s replacement and his first first-team appearance since the playoff final.
- BBC Sport Tyne and Wear reports the centre-back could be sidelined for up to five weeks, potentially covering seven fixtures including an FA Cup trip to Everton.
- Head coach Regis Le Bris said Ballard took a kick against Brighton, had an initial scan, and will undergo further assessment on Monday as pain persists.
- Pundit Gary Bennett called Ballard a huge miss and questioned Cirkin’s display, while Football Insider projects a possible return on 2 February at Burnley if the five-week estimate holds.