DAN BALLARD is pushing for a starting spot in Sunderland’s game at Brentford tomorrow – but Wilson Isidor faces a pre-match fitness test ahead of the game at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Isidor did not feature in the squad for Sunday’s draw at Tottenham as he was suffering from a minor muscular complaint.
The problem has limited his ability to train in the build-up to the game at Brentford, and he will therefore have a test ahead of the game in west London.
“With Wilson, we will see,” said head coach Regis Le Bris, whose side are unbeaten in their last five matches. “We’ll have a test on the pitch and see if he's available or not.”
Ballard is in a better position, having been a second-half substitute in the weekend draw with Spurs.
The Northern Ireland international is being eased back into action after recovering from an Achilles problem, and while Le Bris is reluctant to push the defender too quickly given his chequered recent injury record, he is contending for a starting spot against Brentford, where his ability to defend against long throws could be crucial.
“He [Ballard] might be okay to start,” said Le Bris. “We’ll see after the training session but he’s in a good place now.
“We decided to avoid rushing the process. Even if he was on the bench [at Spurs], maybe he would have been able to start but we decided to stay cautious. He might be available for tomorrow, again it's one we will see after this session.”
Reinildo Mandava’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign is now over after Mozambique were beaten by Nigeria in the last 16. The full-back is due to return to England this week, and while he will not be considered for the Brentford game, he could be involved in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Everton.
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