Salis Abdul Samed needs more time to be back to full fitness - Sunderland coach

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has acknowledged that Ghanaian midfielder Salis Abdul Samed will need time to regain full fitness after making his long-awaited debut in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Stoke City on January 11, 2025.

The 24-year-old, on loan from French club RC Lens, had been sidelined for nearly five months.

Le Bris was pleased with Samed's return, noting that despite his strong performance, he will need time to reach his best level.

Unfortunately, a costly mistake in extra time allowed Stoke's Niall Ennis to score the decisive goal.

Despite the FA Cup exit, Samed’s return brings hope for Sunderland’s Championship promotion aspirations.