
Stoke City manager Mark Robins says Sol Sidibe is “on his way back” as he continues to work on his fitness.
Stoke City have been without young midfielder Sol Sidibe in recent weeks. The Potters currently sit 18th in the Championship, five points clear of the relegation zone, with four games left following their narrow 1-0 win over Cardiff City.
Sidibe, 18, is regarded as one of the club’s brightest prospects. He’s made 13 appearances this season, including eight in the league, and has contributed a couple of assists. His return would be a welcome boost for Mark Robins’ squad.
Providing an update, Robins told StokeOnTrentLive that Sidibe’s injury has healed and he’s now building up his fitness:
“Sol is just trying to build up his fitness base and the good thing about that is that his fracture has healed and he’s on his way back. I want to build him up so he comes back stronger physically. His body shape hasn’t changed much yet, but I want to see more robustness across the squad to handle the league’s demands.”
Sidibe has been with Stoke since 2015, rising through the academy. He signed his first professional deal in July 2023 at just 16 and made his senior debut a month later against Rotherham United. Since then, the England youth international has made 21 senior appearances.
He comes from a footballing family—his father, Mamady Sidibe, also played for Stoke in the Premier League. When Sol signed his pro contract, former technical director Ricky Martin emphasized the importance of a clear development path for the club’s top young talents.
Stoke are taking a cautious approach with Sidibe’s recovery. His exact return date is uncertain, but fans will hope to see him back soon. The Potters next face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, followed by a trip to Leeds United.
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