(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Arthur Masuaku hit by yet another blow amid 'insane' scenes away from Sunderland

Jacob Raw
Jacob Raw

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

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Arthur Masuaku was bailed out by Sunderland teammate Noah Sadiki in the DR Congo's victory over Nigeria on Sunday.

The left-back featured in DR Congo’s penalty shootout win after getting past Cameroon in World Cup qualifiers a few days prior.

DR Congo will now advance to the inter‑confederation play‑offs for a chance to win a spot at the 2026 World Cup, but that's no thanks to the Sunderland defender.

Masuaku has failed to impress in big Premier League games so far, and is steadily sliding down Regis Le Bris's pecking order.

However, Masuaku hasn’t boosted his chances of playing after another poor individual performance away from the Stadium of Light.

Arthur Masuaku playing for Sunderland
Arthur Masuaku hasn't hit the ground running. (Credit: Imago)

Arthur Masuaku gave a goal away for DR Congo

Masuaku has started twice for the Mackems in the Premier League this season and has been hooked before the hour mark on both occasions.

Le Bris has been hailed for his impact at Sunderland, so there's no doubt he's made the right calls when Masuaku has been withdrawn.

  • Masuaku played 120 minutes for DR Congo vs Nigeria
  • He was at fault for one serious error
  • Masuaku has only made three Premier League appearances for Sunderland

During DR Congo’s crucial clash against Nigeria, the Sunderland defender attempted a backheel clearance out of his box, only for the ball to fall straight to Frank Onyeka.

The Brentford man capitalised on Masuaku's blunder by scoring a deflected strike to give Nigeria the lead.

Thankfully, his nation was able to fight back from being a goal behind, as Masuaku owes a lot of credit to Sadiki.

Masuaku is falling behind the pecking order at Sunderland

Sadiki was praised for his performance against Nigeria, as the Sunderland midfielder scored in the penalty shootout for DR Congo.

The match was labelled as "insane" by journalist Rahman Osman, with Masuaku's performance only adding to the drama.

Dennis Cirkin is nearing a Sunderland return, and Reinildo is clearly preferred by Le Bris over Masuaku.

Sunderland may now look to offload Masuaku in the January transfer window, with game time looking a problem for the left-back.

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