AliousSunderland Football Club, now enjoying a strong position at the top of the Championship table, finds itself in an enviable situation with a well-balanced and deep squad. This marks a significant improvement from their previous struggles with depth and injury issues since their return to the Premier League.
Under the guidance of manager Regis Le Bris, Sunderland has assembled a formidable team, bolstered by successful summer transfers. The results of this squad overhaul are evident, with the Black Cats currently leading the Championship as they head into the international break following a 2-2 draw against Leeds United.
As the team prepares to resume their campaign against Hull City later this month, there’s anticipation surrounding the potential debut of Aaron Connolly. His expected inclusion will further strengthen Le Bris’ options. Additionally, the possible integration of Salis Abdul Samed in the coming weeks adds another layer of depth to the squad.
Samed, a 24-year-old deadline day loan signing from RC Lens, is yet to make his debut due to injury concerns. Initially, Le Bris suggested Samed would be sidelined for up to 10 days, but nearly a month has passed since that statement. The latest reports indicate that Samed’s availability remains uncertain, despite earlier suggestions that he would be ready for action this month. Sunderland Echo reports that the club is taking a cautious approach with Samed’s recovery, noting that he hasn’t yet featured for the U21s – a typical step in the club’s rehabilitation process for injured players.
However, Samed faces significant challenges in securing playing time once he returns to fitness. The midfielder will need to break into a Sunderland team that’s performing exceptionally well without him. Moreover, he’ll have to compete for a spot in a midfield that’s already well-stocked with talent.
Le Bris currently has impressive options at his disposal, including Chris Rigg, Dan Neil, and Jobe Bellingham. The eventual integration of Milan Aleksic, another recent signing, will further increase competition for midfield spots. Additionally, Samed’s status as a loan player might work against him, as there may be a preference to develop and play permanent squad members rather than temporary additions.
Given these factors, Samed may find it extremely challenging to secure a place in the current Sunderland starting eleven once he regains full fitness. The team’s success and the depth of talent in midfield positions create a significant hurdle for the on-loan player to overcome in his quest for regular playing time at the Stadium of Light this season.
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