Sunderland Receive Sadiki Fitness Boost Ahead of Brighton Clash

Noah Sadiki has played in two friendlies for DR Congo during the international break, which is good news for Sunderland after worries over his fitness.

The midfielder came off the bench against Uganda on Friday and then started the rematch on Monday. Both games were played in Johannesburg. 

His involvement is a boost for Régis Le Bris as Sunderland get ready to return to Premier League action against Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Concern first grew after Sadiki was taken off in DR Congo's 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Zimbabwe on September 28. 

Videos showed him limping after the match. He bounced back quickly, though, replacing Aaron Tshibola in the 67th minute of Friday's 2-0 defeat to Uganda.

He was then picked in the starting line-up for Monday's game, which ended 1-1. 

Nathanaël Mbuku put DR Congo ahead after the break, but James Bogere scored a late equaliser for Uganda. 

It was the second meeting between the two sides in four days.

Sadiki has started all five of Sunderland's Premier League games this season, which shows how important he is to Le Bris and the Black Cats' midfield. Getting through two matches will come as a relief, especially as the break has also brought injury worries over Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard.

Sunderland will now hope all three are fit as they get back to league action in front of their own fans.