Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris hoping 'injured' Salis Samed returns to squad in January

Sunderland A.F.C. manager, Regis Le Bris, is hopeful that Abdul Salis Samed and several other players will be fit to return to the squad in January.

The Ghanaian midfielder, who joined the club on a season-long loan from French Ligue 1 side RC Lens, has yet to make his debut for Sunderland after being sidelined by a muscle injury since the summer transfer window.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Le Bris expressed optimism that Samed, along with teammates Ahmed Abdullahi and Ian Poveda, would be available by the new year, as all three are progressing in their recovery from various injuries.

“We should have two or three players that haven’t played so far available by January,” said Le Bris.

“I would like to have Ahmed, Salis and Ian in the team because, so far, we haven’t really been able to see what they can do.

“If these three players are available, then the team should be even stronger. They are players with three different profiles to what we currently have. Then, we will also have to see whether or not we lose other players before January. Hopefully, that will not happen, but we will have to see,” he added.

Salis Abdul Samed's current deal with RC Lens will expire in June 2028.