Daniel Ballard Injury: Ankle injury confirmed

Ballard is dealing with an ankle injury that is keeping him out of Sunday's match against Leeds, reports Andy Sixsmith. "Dan got a kick on his ankle against Brighton and was a bit too short to be available today. We'll have to wait until Monday for a clear diagnosis."

Ballard was a surprise absence Sunday, adding to Sunderland's continuing problem of absent players. In his place, Dennis Cirkin moved into the XI and played at left-back, as Regis Le Bris mixed up his group slightly. On a short week, it doesn't seem likely Ballard will return to the XI against Man City, but that could change in a couple days.