Sunderland AFC manager Regis Le Bris has expressed optimism about the potential return of midfielder Salis Abdul Samed and two other sidelined players by January. Abdul Samed, who joined Sunderland on a season-long loan from French club RC Lens, has yet to make his debut for the Black Cats due to a muscle injury suffered during preseason.

In an interview with The Northern Echo, Le Bris highlighted the importance of getting Samed, Ahmed Abdullahi, and Ian Poveda back to full fitness. All three players have been undergoing treatment for injuries and could add much-needed depth to Sunderland’s squad in the English Championship.

“We should have two or three players that haven’t played so far available by January,” Le Bris shared. “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 bring different qualities from what we currently have.”

As Sunderland navigates the Championship season, Le Bris remains hopeful that no additional injuries will impact the squad before January.

Abdul Samed’s contract with RC Lens extends until June 2028, and a successful loan spell with Sunderland could boost both his development and Sunderland’s promotion push.