Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris says Brian Brobbey’s injury is short term, but confirmed defender Dan Ballard will miss several weeks with a hamstring problem.
Brobbey sustained the injury while playing for the Netherlands against Germany and is a concern for Saturday’s match against Brighton. Le Bris said the striker’s recovery was progressing well and that his absence should not be prolonged.
“Brobbey’s injury is a short-term issue, which is very positive; we were quite worried initially,” Le Bris said. “He himself isn’t overly concerned because he has experienced various types of injuries before, and this one is not serious.”
The Sunderland manager added that Brobbey and Habib Diallo were both close to returning, although the club would not take unnecessary risks with either player.
“Brobbey and Habib Diallo are progressing well in their recovery, and they will be back soon,” he said.
Diallo is expected to be available in about a week after completing almost all the training required for a full return.
“Habib Diallo is very close to returning. His recovery is progressing well. He has completed almost all the training required for a full return, so he should be available in about a week,” Le Bris said.
Ballard, however, faces a longer spell on the sidelines after suffering his hamstring injury during international duty with Northern Ireland.
Le Bris described the defender’s absence as “unfortunate” after a strong run of performances and said the problem was a mid-term injury.
“Ballard’s situation is unfortunate because he was performing well. He will be out for several weeks with a mid-term injury. We will keep everyone updated on his condition,” he said.
