Seven Sunderland fringe players who could feature at York City, and four who will not | OneFootball

Sunderland’s opening pre-season friendly at York City on Saturday could put several fringe members of Régis Le Bris’ squad back in view. According to Sunderland Echo, these early summer games are used to spread minutes, build fitness and assess players who might leave.

Anthony Patterson is expected to depart this summer but has returned to the Academy of Light after ending last season on loan at Millwall, reaching the play-offs under Alex Neil. The goalkeeper could be involved at York, with early fixtures often shared among the keeping group.

Leo Hjelde is back from Sheffield United and could feature, though he has struggled to establish himself and is unlikely to be central to Le Bris’ plans. Jenson Seelt is the most intriguing case, his progress badly hit by injury and his current condition uncertain. After a loan at Wolfsburg, he appears to have a potential route back if he proves his fitness.

Aji Alese’s fitness status is also unclear. The defender has suffered repeated setbacks and is not expected to force his way into the preferred senior group, though any pre-season involvement would be a step forward after an injury-hit loan at Portsmouth.

Arthur Masuaku, returning from RC Lens and the World Cup, and Alan Browne, who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, could also see minutes. Neither appears likely to have a significant role next term and solutions may be explored. Ahmed Abdullahi is another possible inclusion, seeking fitness and interest ahead of a potential move.

Others are unlikely to feature. Abdoullah Ba, Timothée Pembélé and Luís Hemir Semedo are not expected to play at York while their futures are addressed. Milan Aleksić is unavailable after leaving on loan, and the opener will offer few firm answers beyond signposting who remains available as the squad evolves.

Source: Sunderland Echo