Shock turn of events can see Habib Diarra return to Sunderland action sooner than expected
Sunderland suffered a huge blow in the form of Habib Diarra last weekend.
Sunderland‘s start to the season has been significantly better than anyone on Wearside could have expected, though the first concerns started to emerge ahead of the recent draw with Aston Villa.
Diarra was ruled out of the clash, with Regis Le Bris revealing after the game that the midfielder would be absent until December, having undergone surgery.
Added to that, alarms have been raised further by the fact that Diarra would be setting off for AFCON not long after, though that may no longer be the case.
Senegal may look at other options for AFCON
Diarra was actually on the bench for Senegal when they faced Noah Sadiki’s DR Congo in the last international break, showcasing the fact that he isn’t actually a nailed-on starter.
Adding his injury status into the equation, he may not actually receive a call-up over fears of him not being fully fit for the tournament.
With Senegal among the favourites to win AFCON, they will need their squad in full condition, and with the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Idrissa Gueye, they have options.
- Pape Sarr – Spurs
- Idrissa Gueye – Everton
- Lamine Camara – Monaco
- Pape Gueye – Villarreal
- Nampalys Mendy – Watford
It also remains to be seen how Sunderland handle the situation, with FIFA regulations stating that clubs must release players who have been called up, unless it can be proved that the player is not fit.
For Diarra, given how tight the turnaround would be, there is a chance that it will apply to him, and he could return to club action before the end of the year, as opposed to January.
Sunderland will be fine with or without Habib Diarra
As showcased by Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, the Black Cats have depth.
Chris Rigg impressed in his short cameo before being withdrawn as a result of Reinildo’s sending off in the first half.
Lutsharel Geertruida, Enzo Le Fee, Dan Neil and Rigg are all options that Le Bris could utilise in Diarra’s absence.
Given the fact that Sunderland paid £30million to bring Diarra to Wearside, his absence will be a blow, but it may not prove as costly as many would assume.
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