Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to return from injury in the weeks following the international break.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has explained that midfielder Habib Diarra will play a crucial role for the Black Cats this season, whether that be in the starting XI or coming off the substitutes' bench.
Senegalese international Diarra endured a testing debut campaign at the Stadium of Light following his £30m arrival from Ligue 1 Strasbourg in the summer of 2025, with multiple injury issues blighting his form across the campaign.
However, following the World Cup in which he netted twice in three appearances for Senegal, Diarra appeared to have found a new lease of life in the early stages of this season for Sunderland with an impressive and poignant cameo.
In late August, Diarra played a pivotal role in Sunderland securing their first victory of the season with their 1-0 home win over Fulham, with the 22-year-old providing an excellent assist for fellow super sub Wilson Isidor for the decisive goal.
However, unfortunately for the young midfielder, he was forced to withdraw due to injury after just 18 minutes with a hamstring injury, and has been sidelined for Sunderland since.
Habib Diarra in pre-season action for Sunderland (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Regis Le Bris Explains Sunderland Importance For Habib Diarra
Amid the ongoing international break, Le Bris explained that Diarra is nearing a return to fitness for Sunderland, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to be part of the Black Cats squad to host Brighton & Hove Albion on October 10.
Before the Fulham win, the Sunderland boss lifted the lid on his pre-season conversation with the energetic midfielder, in which Le Bris told Diarra that his likely absence from the starting XI this season would not negate his importance to the Black Cats' exploits.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: "We have at the minute four really strong midfielders.
"I explained to Habib early in the season you are a starter, but you are fourth at the minute.
"The season will be long, and we will need everyone involved in the process, so don't pay attention to the starting eleven because we will need you sooner or later, and you're really important."
Habib Diarra Could Be Perfect Super Sub For Sunderland
From Diarra's perspective, it is unfortunate that his place in the Sunderland starting XI comes in direct competition against the likes of Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki as the outside central midfielders on either side of captain Granit Xhaka at the base of midfield.
Perhaps Diarra's impressive attributes of athleticism, direct runs in behind, and stretching the opposition backline are best suited to being an impact substitute for Sunderland rather than a starting player.
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On the other side, his looseness in possession at times gives credence as to why Sadiki and Le Fee make for their perfect combination with Xhaka to offer energy, creativity and control within the perfectly moulded midfield trio.
As Le Bris has explained before, the Frenchman likes to utilise both 'starters' and 'finishers' within his squad selection, and given that Sunderland face a demanding run of seven games in 21 days following the international break, Diarra's impetus late in games is poised to make a significant impact for the Black Cats once he returns from the sidelines.
