Sunderland pre-season: Mundle and Ballard back as youngsters stake claims before York City | OneFootball

Sunderland are back in pre-season and step up for Saturday’s opener at York City. Early footage points to fitness boosts and chances for youngsters.

According to Sunderland Echo, Romaine Mundle and Dan Ballard are back in full sessions, offering a double lift.

Mundle was handled carefully after a hamstring issue and now has a chance to impress while Chemsdine Talbi and Nilson Angulo recover from World Cup duty. He has two years left and, amid strong competition, may well leave later this summer.

Ballard’s controversial red card against Wolves enabled earlier ankle surgery, which appears to have gone well ahead of a season in which he is again central to Le Bris’s plans.

Jocelin Ta Bi, fresh from strong Ivory Coast U21s displays, has a major opening with no other specialist right winger in the squad. These early weeks should aid his adaptation and allow him to stake a claim.

With World Cup players resting, academy prospects have stepped up. Felix Scott and Jack Whittaker have trained with the seniors, and striker Trey Ogunsuyi has also been involved and could feature at York with the two senior forwards still returning.

Ogunsuyi’s first loans were difficult, and first moves away from home are often tricky when you are not first choice. He remains highly rated. Finn Geragusian has trained after injury and, having signed his first professional deal earlier this summer, is another to watch.

Returning loanees Leo Hjelde, Alan Browne and Jenson Seelt are back with the group and seem likely to be involved at York. All three are expected to move on again this summer, perhaps permanently, while competition may limit Seelt despite his clear ability.

Source: Sunderland Echo