Sunderland have registered an enlarged group for the Europa League, including 20 youth prospects on UEFA's List B. This approach offers head coach Régis Le Bris more options to manage his team through a busy calendar of league, European, and cup fixtures.

The senior List A features 22 players, including young midfielder Chris Rigg. List B is a special UEFA designation for academy talents meeting specific tenure criteria, permitting their inclusion in matchday teams without using a senior squad place. This flexibility is important for a club balancing its domestic league position with European commitments.

The List B contingent

The List B selections are goalkeepers Ben Metcalf and Joe Cowan. Defenders named are Luke Bell, Jenson Jones, Finlay Holcroft, Joseph Neild, Ben Kindon and Archie Lightfoot. Midfielders include Bayley Hester, Charlie Dinsdale, Jack Whittaker, Liam Hunt, Felix Scott, Jaydon Jones and Timur Tutierov. Forwards Finn Geragusian, Trey Ogunsuyi, Marcus Neill and Tom Proctor round out the group.

This pool of players may be called upon soon, with a home game against Brighton upcoming. Leading scorer Brian Brobbey is part of the main List A attacking options with Malick Fofana.

Senior squad composition

Sunderland's key List A squad lists senior goalkeepers Robin Roefs and Simon Moore, but not Melker Ellborg. Defenders include Kevin Danso, Dan Ballard, Dayann Methalie, Thomas Meunier, skipper Luke O’Nien, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Nordi Mukiele and Trai Hume. Granit Xhaka leads the midfield.

Players not in the European squad include Chemsdine Talbi, excluded because of age and registration guidelines. Jocelin Ta Bi, Alan Browne and Juan Riquelme Angulo are also absent, while Simon Adingra and Jenson Seelt cannot feature as they are loaned out.

The List B rules allow Sunderland to use these academy players at any stage of the Europa League. This planning comes after recent league and European results. Handling the full roster in multiple tournaments will be crucial, beginning with the match against Brighton.

Read the full report at Sunderland Echo