Sunderland clarity as manager speaks out on Habib Diarra annoyance
Sunderland’s Habib Diarra was the penultimate player to link up with Senegal’s squad ahead of their African Cup of Nations tournament.
Diarra made his comeback for the Black Cats during Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, shortly before departing for his AFCON duties with Senegal.
Sunderland have had to be patient with Diarra, who has been out since September with a groin issue, as Regis Le Bris is now unable to use the midfielder for a short period once again.
It has been suggested that other Premier League clubs were frustrated that Sunderland were able to deploy their AFCON-bound man for an extra game, while most stars had already left for the tournament.
Keith Hackett exclusively told Mackem News it could lead to Sunderland being contacted by the relevant governing body.
Diarra’s Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has now provided clarity regarding the delay.
Pape Thiaw says Sunderland communication over Habib Diarra was smooth
Diarra is Sunderland’s record-signing, and many Mackem supporters are itching to see what the midfielder can do on the pitch.
The 21-year-old will be hoping to return to Tyne and Wear at a better fitness level than when he left, but his game time will have to be managed carefully by Thiaw.
- Diarra cost Sunderland £30m from French side Strasbourg
- He has only managed 373 minutes for the Black Cats in the Premier League
- Diarra grabbed nine goal contributions in 30 games in Ligue 1 last campaign
Speaking ahead of Senegal’s opening AFCON match against Botswana on Tuesday, Thiaw addressed the situation on Diarra’s late arrival.
Thiaw said on Monday, as quoted by Wiw.Sport: “In the case of Habib Diarra, when there is communication, it is easier. It was very well managed. He joined us yesterday
“Let’s hope that his rehabilitation went well, because we were in tune with the Sunderland medical staff, his personal physiotherapist and our medical staff.”
Given that Thiaw has spoken on the communication between Senegal and Sunderland, there could be hope that Diarra actually returns to the Stadium of Light ready to start games.
How does Diarra break into Sunderland’s starting lineup?
Despite being Sunderland’s most expensive player ever, Diarra is going to find it difficult to break into Le Bris starting lineup.
The midfielder’s first challenge is gaining fitness to the point where he can start in Premier League games again, and that may be dependent on his time away with Senegal.
Diarra will then have to battle the likes of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, which at the moment, the pair seem untouchable.
However, Diarra offers Le Bris flexibility with his game plan, and as we’ve seen before, the head coach may opt to go with a flat three in midfield.
Not only that, but he can play in an advanced attacking role, hence his returns for Strasbourg last season, which is something Le Bris may have on his mind.
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