Ballard has missed Sunderland’s last two matches with a hamstring injury sustained prior to the international break, and was also forced to sit out Northern Ireland’s unsuccessful World Cup play-off campaign because of the issue.
However, he has been able to take part in a full week of training at the Academy of Light, which should see him return to the squad at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Bertrand Traore, Nilson Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi remain unavailable for the trip to Villa Park, although the attacking trio are all closing in on a return to full fitness and could be involved in next Friday night’s home game against Nottingham Forest.
“Ballard is fully fit,” confirmed Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris, whose side head into the weekend just two points adrift of sixth-placed Chelsea. “He has trained normally this week so is available for selection.
“For Nilson, Bertrand and Jocelin, they are still sidelined but they are really close to reconnecting with the squad. Probably around the Forest game, a bit before or maybe a bit after, they'll be able to join in part or full training sessions.”
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Ballard has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers this season, but O’Nien’s form in his absence means he is not guaranteed to go straight back into the starting line-up against Villa.
O’Nien recovered from his early mistake against Newcastle to play a pivotal role in Sunderland’s Tyne-Wear derby win and was equally as impressive as the Black Cats claimed a clean sheet against Spurs last weekend.
“Dan is available, but we don't have to rush the process at the minute, which is good,” said Le Bris. “He is available for selection, but you understand the dynamic of the group. Even for Ballard, I think it's key to build this fitness level rather than to rush the process now.”
Ta Bi’s imminent return is another major boost as it was initially feared the January signing would be sidelined for the remainder of the season when he suffered an ankle injury on his full Sunderland debut.
“It's really positive for Jocelin because we thought he would be back just before the Chelsea game in training,” said Le Bris. “But he has recovered really quickly. It's positive for us and very impressive.”