Regis Le Bris has named a 26-man squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
The ‘initial’ list includes some players on the fringes and those on the injury comeback trail, while several youngsters have been given the opportunity to impress.
Players involved in the World Cup have a phased return, with some back sooner than others.
The Lads will play three games in the States.
Who will Sunderland play on the US tour?
First up, it’s Liverpool in Nashville in Saturday, July 25 before travelling to face Leeds United in New Jersey on July 30.
Championship side Wrexham are the final opponents in Pennsylvania on August 2.
Sunderland US tour team news
Anthony Patterson has been named in the travelling squad despite ongoing uncertainty over his future at the club.
The goalkeeper did not feature in Sunderland’s 5-1 pre-season win against York City, as interest from several Championship clubs has yet to lead to a concrete agreement.
Northern Ireland international Dan Ballard will travel with the group after head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed the defender is expected to return to full training and make his first pre-season appearance in the United States.
Romaine Mundle has also been included following a precautionary absence against York, while Timur Tutierov joins the tour after recently signing a new contract and scoring in the victory at the LNER Community Stadium.
Phased return for Sunderland World Cup stars
Several senior players will join the squad later, following their participation in the World Cup: Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra, Arthur Masuaku, and Noah Sadiki will link up on July 26.
Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete, and new signing Thomas Meunier advanced deeper into the tournament and will therefore link up with Sunderland later in pre-season, missing the US tour entirely.
Jocelin Ta Bi will also miss the trip after his US visa application was rejected for failing to meet entry criteria.
Sunderland have appealed the decision and remain optimistic that the winger will be able to join the squad in the coming days.
The Academy of Light is well represented with 10 up and coming prospects on the plane across the Atlantic. Those players are: Trey Ogunsuyi, Finn Geragusian, Tom Proctor, Felix Scott, Jaydon Jones, Jenson Jones, Ben Kindon, Archie Lightfoot, Jack Whittaker, and Charlie Dinsdale.
Sunderland US Tour squad in full
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.
