Sunderland’s Diarra out until December

Injury details

Sunderland’s influential midfielder, Habib Diarra, faces a challenging time ahead as he deals with a groin injury that will keep him out of action until December. The injury occurred during a recent training session, leaving him unavailable for the team against Aston Villa. Diarra is expected to undergo a detailed rehabilitation program over the coming weeks.

Transfer background

Habib Diarra made headlines earlier this year with a high-profile move from Strasbourg to Sunderland, marking an exciting new phase in his football career. The transfer involved a substantial fee of €35.8 million, showcasing Sunderland’s commitment to strengthening their midfield lineup. Diarra quickly became a central figure, starting in all four early-season league matches.

Impact on team

The loss of Diarra is significant for Sunderland and coach Regis Le Bris as the team aims to maintain their positive momentum in the Premier League. Currently in seventh place with eight points from five games, Sunderland finds themselves in a promising position. However, Diarra’s absence means that the team will need to adapt and find new ways to secure points in upcoming fixtures.

Upcoming matches

Missing key fixtures such as those against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Chelsea will be a tough challenge for the team. While the possibility of Diarra’s return for the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle on December 13 remains in question, a potential return for matches against Brighton or Leeds towards the end of the year is under consideration.