Sunderland pre-season winners and losers as Melker Ellborg and Leo Hjelde endure difficult starts

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·29 July 2026

It is only pre-season for Sunderland, so firm judgements would be premature.

According to Sunderland Echo, there is still a long way to go as several players work back to full fitness.

OneFootball Videos

The squad used so far has been far from complete.

Preparations are taking place without the full group, which frames everything at this stage.

Assessments can wait until fitness improves and the whole squad is available.

Source: Sunderland Echo