Sunderland’s Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey suffered hamstring problems in their opening international fixtures; neither has a known recovery timeline. Brobbey’s injury appeared less severe, but both leave the club waiting for updates during the break.
The article says Sunderland’s summer defensive additions may help cover Ballard, though further injuries could leave that area short. Brobbey’s absence could give Wilson Isidor another opportunity to challenge for a starting place.
The article also notes uncertainty over captain Granit Xhaka’s availability amid a back-and-forth about his reported COVID vaccination status. It says the details remain unclear and any repercussions, if any, are unknown.
