Sunderland name 26-man USA tour squad as Anthony Patterson travels, Jocelin Ta Bi denied visa | OneFootball

Sunderland have named an initial 26-player squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, with Anthony Patterson included and Jocelin Ta Bi unable to travel. According to Sunderland Echo, Ta Bi’s visa application was rejected.

Régis Le Bris’ side will head to Nashville to face Liverpool at Geodis Park on Saturday, July 25, then meet Leeds United in New Jersey on Thursday, July 30, before finishing against Wrexham in Pennsylvania on Sunday, August 2.

Patterson’s inclusion comes amid continued uncertainty over his future, the goalkeeper missed the 5-1 win at York City and interest from several Championship clubs has not yet led to an agreement. Dan Ballard will travel and is expected to return to full training and receive his first pre-season minutes in America.

Romaine Mundle is included after a precautionary absence at York, while Timur Tutierov travels having signed a new contract and scored once at the LNER Community Stadium.

Academy players have been selected, including Trey Ogunsuyi, Finn Geragusian, Tom Proctor and Felix Scott. A further seven players, including Brian Brobbey and Simon Adingra, will join on July 26 after the FIFA World Cup.

Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete and new signing Thomas Meunier progressed to the latter stages, they will link up later in pre-season and will not travel to the United States. Sunderland have appealed the visa decision and remain hopeful Ta Bi can join the tour in the coming days.

Source: Sunderland Echo