Régis Le Bris's Sunderland squad to face York City in opening pre-season friendly predicted | OneFootball

Sunderland begin their 2026/27 schedule on Saturday at York City, with Régis Le Bris set to field a mixed group in the first pre-season run-out at the LNER Community Stadium.

According to Sunderland Echo, many of the club’s leading youngsters have stepped into first-team training over the past fortnight amid the absence of 12 FIFA World Cup players, and an academy side also faces South Shields earlier in the day.

It has been confirmed Thomas Meunier, the first summer signing earlier this week, will not make his debut as the full back takes a post-World Cup break.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg is likely to start these early friendlies, with Robin Roefs due back later this month after the World Cup, a chance to build on his promising spell when Roefs was injured earlier this year.

Trai Hume finished last season on the right wing and could feature there again as Sunderland look for extra depth, though Alderete’s post-World Cup break might see him used in defence on Saturday and in the US.

Dan Ballard’s red card at Wolves last season brought forward ankle surgery, and he has worked with the group in the early pre-season stages, so he could be involved which would be a welcome boost.

Nordi Mukiele has been back on Wearside for the past fortnight and should be ready to play a key role on Saturday and beyond, with Le Bris preferring him at right back, though Alderete’s absence might initially see him at centre back.

Source: Sunderland Echo