Habib Diarra injury: Sunderland midfielder faces around six weeks out

Habib Diarra is expected to miss around six weeks with a muscle injury, dealing Sunderland another setback before Thursday’s Europa League match against Dinamo Zagreb.

Regis Le Bris outlined the initial recovery estimate at his pre-match press conference. The midfielder had only recently returned from an earlier injury absence.

When could Habib Diarra return?

Le Bris said the first diagnosis pointed to an absence of approximately six weeks, as reported by Fantasy Football Scout.

That would put a potential return around mid-December, although Sunderland have not confirmed a comeback date. His availability will depend on his recovery and return to training.

Diarra had been back among the Premier League substitutes for the visit to Bournemouth on 18 October, following his previous spell on the sidelines.

Sunderland add Chemsdine Talbi to Europa League squad

Sunderland have replaced Diarra with Chemsdine Talbi in their Europa League squad, according to Roundtable’s report.

The change makes Talbi available for Thursday’s home meeting with Dinamo Zagreb and gives Le Bris another attacking option during Diarra’s absence.

Talbi recently scored in Sunderland’s 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over Brentford while operating in a central attacking role.

Latest Sunderland injury news

Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle also remain sidelined. Nordi Mukiele will miss the Dinamo Zagreb match while completing the concussion protocol.

Omar Alderete’s domestic suspension does not prevent him from playing in Europe.

Thursday’s match kicks off at 8pm GMT at the Stadium of Light. Follow our Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb match centre for team news and match updates.