Dan Ballard was forced off with a suspected groin injury during Sunderland’s Premier League defeat to Burnley on Saturday.
The 25-year-old scored Sunderland’s second goal in their 3-0 win against West Ham last Saturday as Regis Le Bris’ side got off to a flying start in their return to the Premier League.
However, the Black Cats were dealt a blow early on in their game against Burnley this weekend as Ballard was substituted in the ninth minute.
The centre-back suffered the injury following a header from a set piece andwas clearly in pain after he handed on both feet.
Ballard required immediate treatment from Sunderland’s medical staff and was unable to continue as he was replaced by Jenson Seelt.
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When asked about the impact and the extent of Ballard’s injury, Le Bris said after Sunderland’s defeat at Turf Moor: ‘Yes, especially against direct play like that. When we pressed high they went long all the time and Ballard is always really important in that situation.
‘We will wait until Monday to have a diagnosis. I don’t know yet how serious it is.’
Sunderland suffered their first loss of the new Premier League season as second-half goals from Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony sealed the win for Scott Parker’s side.
The Black Cats are next in action in the Carabao Cup second round as they host Huddersfield Town at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.
Sunderland are then at home to Brentford in their next Premier League fixture on August 30.
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