Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is hopeful that midfielder Habib Diarra will return from injury shortly following the international break.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has revealed that Black Cats midfielder Habib Diarra is on track to return from the sidelines following the international break.
Diarra, who Sunderland signed from Strasbourg in the summer window of 2025 for a £30m fee, has been absent since the Black Cats' 1-0 win over Fulham after being withdrawn due to a hamstring injury concern.
In the second half, with the scoreline still at a goalless stalemate, Le Bris introduced the Senegalese midfielder from the bench, and he made a pivotal contribution with his assist for fellow super substitute Wilson Isidor's winning goal.
Unfortunately for the energetic midfielder, he was forced off due to injury just eight minutes later, and has subsequently been out of action for Sunderland since the end of August.
Thankfully, Le Bris has issued a positve update on Diarra's injury return timescale.
Regis Le Bris Issues Habib Diarra Sunderland Injury Update
Following Sunderland's 5-3 defeat at Manchester City, which saw the Black Cats go into the international break with two consecutive losses in the Premier League, Le Bris revealed that Diarra is "in a good place" in his rehabilitation.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris outlined: "Habib (Diarra) is in a good place, healing really well.
"He'll have a scan at the beginning of this week just to see where we are, and depending on the result, it's going to be two or three weeks to get ready for competition."
For now, it remains to be seen whether the former Strasbourg starlet will be fit for selection when high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion travel to the Stadium of Light following the international break on October 10.
However, even if the Brighton clash comes too soon for the 22-year-old, it appears that the number eight will be back from the Sunderland sidelines before the next international break in November.
Sunderland's Wilson Isidor celebrates scoring against Fulham with Habib Diarra (REUTERS)Sunderland Will Need Habib Diarra For Testing Fixtures
Between the two international breaks, Sunderland have several formidable fixtures on the horizon, both in the Premier League and their Europa League campaign.
Sunderland have upcoming top flight clashes against the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth, and Leeds United to contend with, as well as trips to Portuguese second-division side SCU Torreense and Lech Poznan as their Europa League journey continues.
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The return of Diarra would be an important boost for Le Bris heading into the post-international break run, with his dynamism and athleticism in midfield being an important asset against opposition.
Given Diarra's struggles with injuries and form throughout his debut season at Sunderland last term, it was extremely disappointing to see the £30m man suffer yet another setback in his Black Cats career.
Hopefully, the Senegalese starlet can stay off the sidelines when he returns to action, and showcase the prowess and potential that saw the Black Cats shell out a then-club record fee in the summer of 2025 for his signature.
