Sunderland name 26-man USA tour squad as Anthony Patterson travels and Jocelin Ta Bi faces visa issue | OneFootball

Sunderland have named an initial 26-player squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, with Anthony Patterson travelling and Jocelin Ta Bi currently unable to join the trip due to a visa issue.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris' side head to Nashville to face Liverpool at Geodis Park on Saturday, 25 July. They then play Leeds United on Thursday, 30 July, before Wrexham on Sunday, two August.

Patterson is included despite ongoing uncertainty over his future. The goalkeeper missed the 5-1 win at York City amid interest from several Championship clubs that has not yet led to an agreement.

Dan Ballard will also travel, with Le Bris expecting him to return to full training and get his first pre-season minutes. Romaine Mundle is involved after a precaution at York, while Timur Tutierov goes after signing a new deal and scoring at the LNER Community Stadium.

Academy selections include Trey Ogunsuyi, Finn Geragusian, Tom Proctor, Felix Scott, Jaydon Jones, Jenson Jones, Ben Kindon, Archie Lightfoot, Jack Whittaker and Charlie Dinsdale.

Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki will link up on 26 July following their FIFA World Cup involvement.

Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete and new signing Thomas Meunier reached the latter stages and will join later in pre-season, and will not travel to the United States. Sunderland have appealed Ta Bi’s visa rejection and remain hopeful the winger can join the tour in the coming days.

Source: Sunderland Echo