After a long and challenging road to recovery, Sunderland midfielder Salis Abdul Samed is set to make his long-awaited return to the Black Stars ahead of Ghana’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 24-year-old, currently on loan from RC Lens, last featured for the national team in June 2024, during Ghana’s thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Injuries sidelined Abdul Samed for most of last year, forcing him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers—a setback many believe played a role in Ghana’s failure to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco. However, the dynamic midfielder has regained full fitness and already made six appearances for Sunderland in the English Championship.

His return comes as a timely boost for Coach Otto Addo, who has been scouting Ghanaian players abroad in preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. The head coach is expected to announce his squad in the coming weeks, with Abdul Samed likely to be among those making the cut.

With his energy, composure, and experience, the midfield dynamo could play a key role in Ghana’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.