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 included amid uncertainty over his future.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris’ side head to Nashville to face Liverpool at Geodis Park on Saturday, July 25, then play Leeds United at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday, July 30, before meeting Wrexham at Subaru Park on Sunday, August 2.

Patterson did not feature in the 5-1 win at York City, with interest from several Championship clubs yet to bring an agreement. Dan Ballard will also travel, with Le Bris saying the defender was expected to return to full training and take his first pre-season minutes in the United States. Romaine Mundle is included after a precaution at York, and Timur Tutierov travels after signing a new deal and scoring there.

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 join on July 26 after the FIFA World Cup.

Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete and new signing Thomas Meunier reached the latter stages, so they will link up later in pre-season and will not travel. Jocelin Ta Bi’s visa application was rejected as he did not meet entry criteria, and the club have appealed, remaining hopeful the winger can join the tour in the coming days.

Source: Sunderland Echo