Daniel Ballard Injury: Getting better, not ready

Ballard (ankle) is out for Thursday's match against Manchester City but is nearing a potential return next match, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "He is getting better but he won't be available for tomorrow. We hope he is available for the next fixture but it is not serious."

Ballard will miss another match as he recovers from injury, a second consecutive match missed due to his ankle problems. However, the good news is he appears to be on the recovery and in for a potential return next match, facing Tottenham on Jan. 4. This will depend on his recovery in the upcoming days, hoping to regain a starter back, with Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele likely to start at center-back until he returns.