Sunderland supporters will nervously be awaiting news on Dan Ballard as the summer signing was forced off with a suspected injury against Queens' Park Rangers.
The central defender was making his third consecutive Championship start in red-and-white for Saturday's clash, but had to be withdrawn after just nine minutes at the Stadium of Light. Ballard received treatment on the pitch following a collision with an opposing player.
However, the former Arsenal prospect was unable to continue and was replaced by Luke O'Nien, who had started the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. Ballard seemed to be in discomfort and unable to put any weight on his right foot, and Alex Neil will likely be quizzed for a post-match update on the 22-year-old.
LIVE BLOG: Updates as Sunderland take on QPR
Neil had made wholesale changes for Wednesday night' televised trip to Hillsborough, but returned to the same side which earned a comeback victory at Bristol City last weekend. It meant a second start for Ellis Simms, who bagged a debut brace in the 3-2 win at Ashton Gate.
At the time of writing, the Black Cats are well-placed to maintain their unbeaten start to life back in the Championship. Goals from Ross Stewart and Simms gave the hosts a two-goal cushion at the break.
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