Sunderland only have two players at the World Cup, benefiting their League One preparations

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Sunderland’s Bryan Oviedo is a regular fixture for Costa Rica at left-back whilst returning loanee Wahbi Khazri will likely start for Tunisia in their opening game against England.

Sunderland have historically always had more than five or six international players playing in either a World Cup or European Championship in previous years.

But after back-to-back relegations and the Wearside club now finding themselves in the third tier – the lack of international players is apparent, especially those who have any involvement in next month’s World Cup in Russia.

The Black Cats do have Bryan Oviedo of Costa Rica and Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri on the plane, but both players may be on their way out of the club when they report back for training in July.

Oviedo is arguably above League One level as a footballer – and a performance on the biggest stage at the World Cup could see the 28-year-old attract interest from Championship or Premier League clubs.

Khazri is the more likely of the two to be departing from Sunderland. The 27-year-old winger spent last season out on loan at Ligue 1 side Rennes and could return there after the World Cup or may find himself at another club in England.

However, the sheer lack of Sunderland player’s involved at the World Cup may not be a bad thing for the Black Cats.

Lack of preparation has been a problem for a variety of managers prior to the start of a season on Wearside and it will be important for new manager Jack Ross to have his side fully prepared ahead of a vital season.

The club is also going through a large transitional phase, with new ownership and a mass overhaul of players – meaning there is even an even bigger importance for players to be able to have a long and productive pre-season without the distraction of international football.

Despite the fact Sunderland and their Scottish manager having their eyes firmly on the prize ahead of next season, Ross alongside new owner Stewart Donald will have an eye on the World Cup with an interest in making additions to Sunderland’s new-look League One squad.