Sunderland faces a significant setback as key French midfielder Habib Diarra is set to be sidelined until at least December after undergoing surgery for a groin injury. The 21-year-old player, who joined Sunderland from Strasbourg in France, has been a crucial part of the team’s success in the Premier League this season, contributing one assist in the first four matches before his injury.
Diarra’s absence will pose a challenge for manager Regis Le Bris, who will now need to find alternative options in the midfield to compensate for the loss of the talented player. Diarra was expected to provide leadership alongside Granit Xhaka, but with his injury ruling him out until December, Le Bris will have to explore new ideas and strategies to maintain the team’s performance.
The team will need to quickly adapt and regroup for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest on September 27, as they face the task of adjusting their game plan without Diarra in the lineup. Additionally, the timing of Diarra’s injury, with his expected return coinciding with the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2026, adds further challenges for Sunderland in managing the squad effectively in his absence.
