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 bring several fringe players back into view. For most, any minutes would be about fitness and futures rather than cementing roles next season.

According to Sunderland Echo, early summer games are used to spread minutes and assess those who may depart, permanently or on loan. That could see a number of returning loanees involved.

Anthony Patterson is expected to leave this summer but has returned for pre-season after a Millwall loan that ended in the play-offs under Alex Neil. He could feature while his situation is resolved.

Leo Hjelde is back from Sheffield United and, though unlikely to be central to Régis Le Bris’ plans, could get minutes. Jenson Seelt’s injury issues leave uncertainty, but if he proves fitness after Wolfsburg he could re-enter contention.

Aji Alese’s fitness is unclear after repeated setbacks and an injury-affected loan at Portsmouth, so any action would be a positive step. Ahmed Abdullahi may get minutes to build fitness and attract interest.

Arthur Masuaku, returning from RC Lens and the World Cup, and Alan Browne, who spent last season at Middlesbrough, could also be considered. Neither appears likely to have a major role.

Abdoullah Ba, Timothée Pembélé and Luís Hemir Semedo are not expected to feature at York as futures are addressed. Milan Aleksić is unavailable after leaving on loan.

Source: Sunderland Echo