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 do so.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris’ side head to Nashville before facing Liverpool at Geodis Park on Saturday, 25 July. Leeds United follow in New Jersey on Thursday, 30 July, then Wrexham in Pennsylvania on Sunday, 2 August.

Patterson is included despite uncertainty over his future. He missed the 5-1 win at York City and interest from several Championship clubs has not yet produced an agreement.

Dan Ballard will travel after Le Bris said the defender is expected to return to full training and gain his first pre-season minutes in America. Romaine Mundle is selected after a precautionary absence at York, and Timur Tutierov travels too after signing a new deal and scoring. A number of academy players have also been selected.

Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki are due to link up on 26 July following FIFA World Cup duty.

Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete and new signing Thomas Meunier reached the latter stages, so they will join later in pre-season and will not travel to the United States.

Ta Bi’s visa application was rejected for not meeting entry criteria, and Sunderland have appealed, remaining hopeful the winger can join the tour in the coming days.

Source: Sunderland Echo