Sunderland handed fresh injury worry as key midfielder limps off during international match
Sunderland face another fitness concern after Noah Sadiki picked up a knock on DR Congo duty
Sunderland have been handed another fitness concern during the international break after Noah Sadiki was forced off while representing DR Congo.
Sadiki started DR Congo’s 2-1 win away to Zimbabwe in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday and lasted 75 minutes before being replaced by Aaron Tshibola. The Sunderland midfielder picked up a knock before being withdrawn and was later pictured walking with a noticeable limp after the game.
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There has been no suggestion at this stage that Sadiki has suffered anything serious, and he was able to move around under his own power after the final whistle, which will offer some reassurance. However, the images were still unwelcome for Sunderland supporters, given the injury problems Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard have already suffered during the current international window.
His availability will now be monitored closely by Sunderland ahead of their return to domestic action. Sadiki has quickly established himself as an important part of Régis Le Bris’ midfield and has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers since joining the club. The timing of any problem would be particularly frustrating given the Black Cats are preparing for a demanding October schedule across the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Sunderland already have concerns over Brobbey, who suffered a hamstring issue while away with the Netherlands, while Ballard returned to Wearside after sustaining a suspected hamstring injury for Northern Ireland against Georgia. For now, there is no indication that Sadiki’s knock is on the same level as either of those problems.