Sunderland pre-season takeaways as Ballard and Mundle train and youngsters stake claims | OneFootball

Sunderland have stepped up pre-season, with their first friendly at York City on Saturday. According to Sunderland Echo, behind-the-scenes footage shows positives and opportunities across the squad.

Injury boost: Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle have trained with the group. Sunderland managed Mundle cautiously after a hamstring issue, and with Chemsdine Talbi and Nilson Angulo resting after the World Cup, he now has a big chance to impress. He has two years left and, with strong competition, he may yet leave later this summer, but fitness helps all parties.

Ballard underwent earlier ankle surgery after his red card against Wolves, and the timing appears to have worked out. He will again be a vital part of Le Bris's plans this season.

Young winger Jocelin Ta Bi, who earned rave reviews with Ivory Coast U21s, is back and could benefit from the lack of another specialist right winger. These early weeks offer adaptation time and a platform to show he can contribute.

With World Cup players on a break, academy prospects have trained with the seniors and could feature at York. Newly signed professionals Felix Scott and Jack Whittaker are involved, while Trey Ogunsuyi has stepped up and could get minutes with the two senior strikers easing back from World Cup duty.

Ogunsuyi endured two challenging loans last season, often a tough first step away from home, but he remains highly regarded. Striker Finn Geragusian has also trained after injury curtailed his academy campaign, and he recently signed his first pro deal.

Returning loanees Leo Hjelde, Alan Browne and Jenson Seelt are back with the group. They appear likely to be involved at York, and could also travel to the US while others recover. All three are expected to move on again this summer, perhaps permanently, and Seelt might struggle for minutes despite clear potential.

Source: Sunderland Echo