SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 3: Sunderland unveil new loan signing Salis Abdul Samed at The Academy of Light on September 3, 2024 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland have been dealt a fresh injury setback, with midfielder Salis Abdul Samed set to miss up to four weeks due to a calf injury. Head coach Regis Le Bris confirmed the news following the Black Cats’ recent 2-1 victory over Cardiff City, where Samed was notably absent from the squad.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who arrived on loan during the summer transfer window, has endured a frustrating spell at the Stadium of Light, with injuries limiting his impact. So far, he has managed just 160 minutes of Championship football, making only two starts and four substitute appearances. His latest setback now casts further doubt over his ability to make a meaningful contribution before the end of the season.
Le Bris Confirms Injury Timeline
Speaking after Sunderland’s win over Cardiff, Le Bris addressed Samed’s absence, confirming that the player is struggling with a calf issue that will keep him out for the next few weeks.
“Salis [Abdul Samed] is struggling with his calf, so we will have to wait until after the international break to have him back in the team,” Le Bris said. “It’s unfortunate because he’s a talented player, and we had hoped he could play a bigger role in our midfield rotation.”
With an international break approaching, Sunderland will be hoping that the extra recovery time allows Samed to return fully fit for the final stretch of the campaign. However, concerns remain over his match sharpness, given his limited minutes on the pitch this season.
A Blow for Sunderland’s Midfield Plans
Sunderland’s midfield has been heavily reliant on key players such as Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, and Le Bris had been hoping to rotate more effectively in the coming weeks. The Black Cats are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, and squad depth will be crucial in managing the intense fixture schedule.
Samed’s injury comes at an inconvenient time, as the team is already managing other fitness concerns. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, Le Bris now faces the challenge of keeping his key midfielders fresh without the option of introducing Samed into the rotation.
Will Samed Make an Impact This Season?
Given that Samed is only on loan, his long-term future at Sunderland remains uncertain. His injury woes have prevented him from cementing a place in the starting XI, and with only a handful of games left in the season, it remains to be seen whether he can make a significant impact before his loan spell ends.
Supporters had high hopes for the Ghanaian international when he arrived, but his fitness struggles have hindered his progress. If he can recover swiftly and prove his value in the final weeks of the campaign, Sunderland may still consider extending his stay beyond this season.
For now, though, Le Bris and Sunderland will have to cope without him, as they aim to secure a strong finish in the Championship and keep their promotion hopes alive.
