Dom Ballard to miss remainder of season due to injury

Reading striker Dom Ballard will not play again this season due to a knee injury.

Dom Ballard faces season-ending injury for Reading

Dom Ballard, the 18-year-old striker for Reading, is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury sustained during a match against Wycombe. Ballard was stretchered off in the first half while the team secured a 2-1 victory. Since joining Reading on loan from Southampton in September, he has netted five goals, including a recent hat-trick for the England Under-19 team. Reading manager Ruben Selles confirmed the injury involves a broken patella tendon and could sideline Ballard for the entire season.

The injury to Dom Ballard is a significant blow for Reading, particularly given his rapid progress and recent performances. His loss not only impacts the team’s offensive strength but also raises concerns about their ability to maintain momentum in League One. As Selles mentioned, the team's spirit seems to be improving, but losing a key player could challenge their recent success. Ballard's potential for a lengthy recovery may also remind teams of the unpredictable nature of football injuries and their effects on player careers.

Highlights

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Reading overcomes this setback.