Dan Ballard is likely to miss Northern Ireland national football team’s important World Cup play-off match against Italy national football team due to a hamstring injury.
The defender picked up the injury while playing for Sunderland AFC and has already missed their recent games. Although there has been no official confirmation yet, an update on his fitness is expected soon.
It is also uncertain if Ballard will recover in time for a possible play-off final, if Northern Ireland beat Italy. The team is already dealing with other injury concerns, including the absence of Conor Bradley.
Meanwhile, Italy are also monitoring midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is currently injured.
If Northern Ireland win the semi-final, they will face either Wales national football team or Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in the final, with a place at the World Cup at stake.
