Arsenal loanee Daniel Ballard – impressing at Millwall – ruled out for next three months

Daniel Ballard is set to miss the next three months of the season after the on-loan Arsenal defender had knee surgery.

The 22-year-old is spending the whole campaign with Millwall and has made 21 appearances for the South Londoners.

Ballard has started all 19 Championship matches he has been available for, only not being in the matchday squad for the 1-0 win over Reading.

It is the second injury setback for the Lions this week with Ryan Leonard also out for a similar timescale after undergoing an operation on his ankle.

Ballard chose to join Millwall on loan ahead of a return to Blackpool, who he helped clinch League One play-off glory with in the 2020-21 season.

Lions boss Gary Rowett told our paper at the start of November that he would be keen on a permanent deal for Ballard, if he was ever available. There had been reports that he was set to sign a contract extension with the Gunners.

“The way he is developing means he would be a fabulous player for any Championship side to have,” said Rowett.

“The reality is that, a bit like Jayson Molumby, when a player comes and does well then at the end of their loan they either go to another one that is perceived to be the next step or they go back to challenge in their parent club.

“What I would say is he is a great character who trains really well and is really popular. He has huge potential.”