Sunderland have confirmed a 26-man squad for the opening phase of their pre-season tour of the United States, with head coach Régis Le Bris taking his side across the Atlantic for three high-profile friendlies.
The Black Cats will begin their tour in Nashville, where they face Liverpool at Geodis Park on July 25. They will then travel to New Jersey to meet Leeds United at Sports Illustrated Stadium on July 30 before wrapping up the trip against Wrexham at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania on August 2.
Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been named in the travelling squad despite ongoing speculation over his future. The 25-year-old was absent from Sunderland’s 5-1 win over York City as transfer interest from several Championship clubs continues, although no deal has yet been completed.
Defender Dan Ballard is also on the plane after Régis Le Bris confirmed he is nearing full fitness and is expected to make his first pre-season appearance during the American tour. Romaine Mundle has recovered from the minor issue that kept him out against York, while Timur Tutierov earns a place after signing a new contract and scoring in the victory at the LNER Community Stadium.
Several academy prospects have also been rewarded with selection, including Trey Ogunsuyi, Finn Geragusian, Tom Proctor, Felix Scott, Jaydon Jones, Jenson Jones, Ben Kindon, Archie Lightfoot, Jack Whittaker and Charlie Dinsdale.
Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki will join the squad on July 26 after completing their FIFA World Cup commitments.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete and summer signing Thomas Meunier reached the latter stages of the World Cup and will report later in pre-season instead of travelling to the United States.
Jocelin Ta Bi has been left out of the initial travelling party after his U.S. visa application was refused for failing to satisfy entry requirements. Sunderland have appealed the decision and remain optimistic that the winger will be cleared to join the squad later in the tour.
Sunderland’s initial USA tour squad
Goalkeepers: Melker Ellborg, Simon Moore, Anthony Patterson.
Defenders: Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Reinildo, Leo Hjelde, Jenson Seelt, Jaydon Jones, Jenson Jones, Ben Kindon, Archie Lightfoot, Nordi Mukiele.
Midfielders: Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée, Alan Browne, Jack Whittaker, Charlie Dinsdale.
Forwards: Wilson Isidor, Trey Ogunsuyi, Finn Geragusian, Tom Proctor, Felix Scott, Romaine Mundle, Timur Tutierov.
