Régis Le Bris’s likely Sunderland squad for York City pre-season opener | OneFootball

Sunderland begin their 2026/27 campaign on Saturday afternoon at York City’s LNER Community Stadium, with first summer signing Thomas Meunier not involved following his World Cup commitments.

According to Sunderland Echo, an academy side also face South Shields earlier in the day, and many of the club’s best young players have joined Régis Le Bris’s group over the last fortnight because twelve World Cup players are away.

While plans over the 90 minutes are unclear, the predicted squad includes goalkeeper Melker Ellborg, likely to start while Robin Roefs returns later this month after the World Cup. Ellborg can build on the solid spell he enjoyed when Roefs was briefly injured earlier this year.

Trai Hume finished last season on the right wing and could feature there again as Sunderland seek more depth. Omar Alderte’s break following the World Cup might instead see him used in his natural defensive role at York and in the US.

Dan Ballard’s controversial red card at Wolves last season allowed earlier ankle surgery, and he has worked with the group in the early stages of pre-season. That could mean action at York, which would be a welcome boost.

Nordi Mukiele has trained on Wearside for the last fortnight, so he should be ready to play a key role in the opener and beyond. Le Bris prefers him at right back, although Alderete’s absence might see him start in central defence initially.

Source: Sunderland Echo