Sunderland’s US tour squad reveals visa blow, likely exits and chances for youngsters | OneFootball

Sunderland have arrived in Nashville to start their US tour, with a double session on Thursday before facing Liverpool on Saturday. According to Sunderland Echo, the club have named an initial 26-man squad for the trip.

Winger Jocelin Ta Bi has remained on Wearside after a visa refusal, which the club have appealed in the hope he can still feature. Missing the tour would be a major setback after his bright outing at York City, especially with no senior right winger available and first-team intensity hard to replicate at home.

Wilson Isidor has joined up after World Cup duty with Haiti. Players eliminated in the round of 32 are due to link up after the Liverpool friendly, which currently includes Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku.

Both are expected to depart this summer, with Adingra attracting interest in the UK and on the continent after a solid AS Monaco loan, which suggests no deal is advanced yet. Anthony Patterson and Alan Browne have also travelled despite loans last season. Browne impressed at York City and will likely get another chance across all three games, with Granit Xhaka set to rejoin the squad after the tour.

Aji Alese made an encouraging 45-minute return at York but has not travelled, which points to his future lying elsewhere. With left-side reinforcements expected later in the window, regular football could help restart his career.

Le Bris is likely to use younger players against Liverpool, with Roefs, Sadiki and Brobbey not involved until later in the tour and Alderete and Talbi due back for the Lens friendly next month. Although Andoni Iraola’s side are not at full strength, it is a major chance for the club’s best prospects.

Leo Hjelde has travelled despite a knee issue at York City, indicating it is not thought to be serious. Ben Kindon provides cover and it remains to be seen how quickly Hjelde features. Elsewhere, Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle are on track for minutes as they step up their recovery, while Ahmed Abdullahi has not travelled as he closes in on a move to Eyüpspor.

Source: Sunderland Echo