Injury latest and transfer hints: What we learned from Sunderland's US tour squad announcement
Sunderland are in the US for their pre-season tour which includes fixtures against Liverpool, Leeds and Wrexham
Sunderland touched down in Nashville last night as they begin their tour of the USA.
The Black Cats will kick off with a double training session on Thursday, ahead of their opening fixture against Liverpool on Saturday. The club confirmed their initial 26-man squad yesterday, and there were some big talking points from the list. We take a closer look here...
Jocelin Ta Bi's frustrating setback
The winger has remained on Wearside after his visa application was rejected, a decision that Sunderland have appealed and are hopeful will be resolved in time to allow the 21-year-old to play some part in the tour. Were Ta Bi to miss out entirely, it would be a major blow for player and club after a promising start to his pre-season campaign at York City. Sunderland are currently without a senior right winger in the squad, and this was the ideal opportunity for him to get valuable game time under his belt as he bids to show he can play a part this season.
While he will have his own programme back on Wearside in the meantime, it's hard to replicate the intensity of training with the first-team group.
It's a frustrating situation for everyone involved and should it happen to clubs more regularly moving forward, one that will potentially have significant implications.
Duo set for Sunderland return despite likely summer departure
Wilson Isidor has now linked up with the squad following his World Cup commitments with Haiti, and will be joined by those who were knocked out in the round of 32 after the first friendly against Liverpool on Saturday. As it stands, that includes Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku. Both are expected to depart this summer, with Adingra drawing interest from a number of clubs in the UK and on the continent after a solid loan spell at AS Monaco in the second half of last season. While in the modern game things can change very quickly with travel no real obstacle, it would suggest that there is no deal advanced for either at this stage of the window.
The same applies to Anthony Patterson and Alan Browne, who have travelled to the US despite both spending time last season out on loan. Browne was excellent against York City and will likely get another chance to impress across all three games with Granit Xhaka linking back up with the squad following the conclusion of the tour.
As expected, Ahmed Abdullahi has not travelled with the group as he closes in on a move to Eyüpspor.
Aji Alese remains on Wearside
Alese made an encouraging return to action at York City, playing 45 minutes in the second half and seemingly coming through unscathed after an injury-hit campaign last time around. Though Alese is a hugely talented defender and would also qualify as a homegrown player, that he has not travelled to the US with the senior group would suggest that his future lies elsewhere. With Sunderland set to strengthen the left side of their defence later in the window, it would make sense for Alese to go somewhere he can play regularly and kickstart his career.
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Youngsters set for huge Liverpool opportunity
With the likes of Roefs, Sadiki and Brobbey not in contention until later in the tour and Alderete and Talbi returning for the friendly at Lens next month, Le Bris will likely use the younger players who have travelled during the game against Liverpool. Though Andoni Iraola's side are not full strength themselves, it's still a huge opportunity for the club's best academy talent and an invaluable experience.
Leo Hjelde travels despite injury blow
Hjelde was forced off midway through the second half at York City with a knee issue, but has been named in the travelling squad for the US which would suggest that the issue is not serious. Sunderland have taken youngster Ben Kindon with them as additional cover, so it remains to be seen how quickly Hjelde can recover and what part he can play in the three fixtures.
Elsewhere, both Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle have travelled as they step up their recovery from injury. Both are on track to get some game time across the course of the tour.
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