Sunderland have just been given the worst possible injury news about first-team player
Sunderland have learnt that one of their most important players has suffered an injury while away on international duty.
The Black Cats have started the season superbly well, and sit ninth in the Premier League after seven games of the new campaign.
Regis Le Bris’ side have picked up seven out of a possible nine points at the Stadium of Light, and are becoming a strong force at home.
Sunderland were beaten by Manchester United in their final game before the international break, but it did little to dampen the spirits on Wearside.
Noah Sadiki sustains an injury on international duty
Summer signing Noah Sadiki has started every single game for Sunderland so far this season and has been pivotal to their strong midfield.
Sadiki went away with DR Congo on international duty, but was left out of their 1-0 win over Togo on Friday (10 October), with rumours of a potential injury circulating.
Now, the 20-year-old has been sent back to England, with Congo confirming that he has suffered an ankle sprain.
In an official statement, the African side revealed that Sadiki would miss their vital World Cup qualifier against Sudan and is returning to Sunderland to continue his treatment.
Sadiki could miss months for Sunderland
Sunderland face Wolves on Saturday (18 October), and it is looking increasingly unlikely that Sadiki will be involved.
It is not yet confirmed how serious the midfielder’s injury is, and the recovery time for a sprained ankle can vary drastically depending on the severity.
In some cases, players can be out just 2-3 weeks, which would see Sadiki miss just a couple of games for the Black Cats, against Wolves and Chelsea.
However, in more serious situations, ankle strains can take several months to heal, especially if any ligament damage has been sustained.
Sadiki will return to Wearside to be assessed, and it is expected that Sunderland will confirm the length of his absence in the coming days.
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