Arthur Masuaku
Single chance created
Masuaku registered one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 loss against England.
Analysis: Masuaku created one chance on a single cross during Wednesday's loss to England. The defender was active when he was on the pitch, but he could only manage to create a single chance. It was always going to be a difficult clash for DRC, as they struggled to get anything going against England's midfield. Masuaku returns to Sunderland following his elimination from the World Cup.
Returns to Sunderland
Masuaku will return to parent club Sunderland following the conclusion of his loan spell at Lens, the club announced.
Analysis: Masuaku returned to Lens this past winter and played a key role in the club's qualification for the Champions League as well as their Coupe de France triumph, providing experience and quality from the left side throughout his spell at the club. Lens thanked Masuaku for his contribution and wished him well as he now returns to Sunderland ahead of the 2026/27 season. Masuaku is currently playing for DR Congo at the World Cup and will reunite with the Black Cats once the competition comes to an end.
Delivers five crosses
Masuaku generated five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Colombia.
Analysis: Masuaku was DR Congo's most creative wide outlet in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia, delivering five crosses (one accurate), one chance created and two corners across his 72 minutes as the left wingback before being replaced by a defensive substitute. The wingback completed 19 passes and won one tackle as his side's primary source of width and delivery down the left side, with his crossing volume reflecting a consistent intent to find runners in the box despite the low conversion rate from his deliveries. His delivery, directness and ability to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases from the left wingback role make him DR Congo's most dangerous wide option heading into the Uzbekistan fixture, and improving his cross accuracy will be the key factor in whether his service can produce the goals his side desperately need.
Assists Wednesday
Masuaku assisted once to go with four crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Portugal.
Analysis: Masuaku set up Yoane Wissa for the lone Congo goal during Wednesday's draw. The defender got forward well and sent in four crosses on the whole during a solid showing. He was pushed back for large parts of the match by a lethal Portugal attack, he may have more room to roam forward in the coming matches, which could offer more chances for goal contributions.
Key role on left flank
Masuaku has been named in Congo's World Cup squad and is expected to start at left-back, also taking on set-piece responsibilities for the Leopards in their historic World Cup appearance.
Analysis: Masuaku has managed just four appearances with Lens since joining the club in the January transfer window, making his lack of competitive minutes a genuine concern heading into the tournament. His limited playing time at club level means he arrives at the World Cup without the match sharpness that most players in his position will have built up over a full season, and the coaching staff will need to manage his workload carefully to ensure he is at his best when the group stage begins. Despite the limited club involvement, Masuaku brings valuable experience from his time in the Premier League and a set-piece delivery that gives Congo an additional weapon from dead-ball situations. For the Leopards, his ability to get forward, deliver dangerous crosses and contribute from corners and free kicks adds a creative dimension to their left flank that will be crucial in a tournament where margins between teams are often decided by moments of quality from set pieces.
Suspension over
Masuaku may be selected again following his card accumulation ban.
Analysis: Masuaku missed the recent visit to Nice due to his suspension, before which he made two straight starts as a central defender. With disciplinary issues preventing him from reaching his full potential, there will be only a few more chances for him to gain momentum ahead of the World Cup. If he returns to the starting lineup in the next league games, he could be included in Samson Baidoo's place in the back three.
Will miss Nice Game
Masuaku is set to be suspended after accumulating five yellow cards in French competitions, the league announced.
Analysis: Masuaku picked up his fifth yellow card in French competitions and is now suspended for the match against Nice on May 2. The Congolese has been a bench option since joining the club, so his absence should not be heavily felt aside from reducing depth in the back line.
Set to miss four to six weeks
Masuaku (ankle) is set to miss four to six weeks due to injury, the club announced.
Analysis: Masuaku returned from international duty with DR of Congo at the AFCON with an ankle injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks. The defender has been mainly a bench option for the Black Cats this season, therefore his absence on the sidelines won't have a significant impact on the starting XI.
Heads back to Sunderland
Masuaku is heading back to Sunderland after completing his international duty with DR of Congo at the AFCON and will have to be assessed by the medical staff after suffering an ankle injury during the competition.
Analysis: Masuaku was eliminated with DR of Congo from the AFCON and will now head back to Sunderland. The defender injured his ankle on a bad defensive action from his part and will have to be assessed once back with the Black Cats to know if he has to miss some time. That said, he was only a bench option prior to his trip to Morocco, therefore his potential absence will have no impact on the starting squad.
Injures ankle at AFCON
Masuaku suffered an ankle injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Senegal.
Analysis: Masuaku left the match in the 73rd minute after succumbing to the injury and being replaced by Joris Kayembe. The extent of Masuaku's injury has yet to be determined though he's likely to miss time with Congo's next match coming on Tuesday.
Four crosses in away win
Masuaku registered one shot (zero on goal) and four crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Nottingham Forest. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 31st minute.
Analysis: Masuaku started his first game of the season for Sunderland but got substituted in the 59th minute, one minute short of the threshold required for clean sheet points in many fantasy games. He attempted four crosses in the game and won both of his tackles in the match.
Available for selection Saturday
Masuaku (undisclosed) is available to play Saturday against Burnley, manager Regis Le Bris told media during Thursday's pre-match press conference.
Analysis: Masuaku didn't play in the 3-0 win over West Ham United last week, but he could be included in the squad for this trip to Turf Moor. Masuaku spent the 2024-25 season at Besiktas and should add decent depth to the wing-back position, though he's not likely to get a start right away, especially after the team's impressive overall debut against the Hammers.
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