Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has been left out of Sunderland’s squad for their first friendly on the pre-season. The 25-year-old is not part of the 19-man squad to play York on Wednesday night. Gyan’s exclusion sparked fears among Sunderland fans that he was on the verge of being sold after being linked with several clubs. But the Black Cats have explained that their top striker was left out because he has been given time to rest after arriving from his summer holidays in Ghana on Monday. “Asamoah Gyan and Stephane Sessegnon miss out after making their returns to training earlier in the week,” the Sunderland statement said. Gyan is expected to spearhead Sunderland’s attack for next season. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com