Sunderland Morning Round-Up, Thursday 8th October 2026: Rigg Reflects on AC Milan Draw as Ballard Injury Concern Emerges

Chris Rigg has been talking about the mood in the Sunderland dressing room after the club were paired with AC Milan in the Europa League draw, and he had a light-hearted admission about his dad already planning to be at the game in Italy (Sunderland Echo).

There is a fitness worry at the back, with Dan Ballard reportedly facing the possibility of missing time through injury (Sunderland Echo). Kevin Phillips has responded by backing another Sunderland player to step up and fill the gap, describing their potential role as "massive" (Sunderland Echo).

Off the pitch, Sunderland are said to be close to confirming a significant new appointment as part of a busy period of behind-the-scenes changes at the club, with a potential hire already being named (Sunderland Echo).

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