Sunderland boss Alex Neil has admitted he is worried about the injury that forced Dan Ballard off in the draw against QPR yesterday.

The centre-back was a summer signing from Arsenal and whilst it's still early days, the Northern Ireland international has impressed for the Black Cats, establishing himself as a regular and an important player.

Therefore, it was a setback to see Ballard replaced early on against the R's, in a game that Sunderland would go on to draw after conceding two late goals.

And, speaking to Chronicle Live, Neil gave an update on the 22-year-old.

"It doesn't look good. He's away to hospital now so we'll see how he is. It's a massive blow, because Dan Ballard is a key player who we have spent money on to improve the squad.

"It just shows where we are because we are light, aren't we, and we have lost a signing that we have brought in."

Ballard missed a dramatic game, with R's keeper Seny Dieng rescuing a point for the Londoners with a stoppage time header.

The verdict

This is a real worry because Ballard has quickly settled and made himself an important player at Sunderland, so he will be missed if he's out for a lengthy period.

Of course, it's too soon to judge exactly how long he will be out, and you would expect a more concrete update in the week, but Neil's comments are concerning.

So, it's case of waiting and seeing the full extent, but it could force the Black Cats back into the market.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.