Winners and losers from Habib Diarra injury for Sunderland include Granit Xhaka and Dan Neil
Sunderland have been flying in the Premier League, but their wings have been clipped after the latest injury news.
Habib Diarra became Sunderland’s record signing over the summer after the Black Cats paid £30million for his services.
However, after missing the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, it has been confirmed that Regis Le Bris will be without Diarra for six to eight weeks after surgery on a groin issue.
With the midfielder out for a prolonged period, who could benefit and who could be at a disadvantage in his absence?
Chris Rigg the obvious replacement for Habib Diarra
After news of Diarra’s injury broke at Sunderland, Rigg was a surprising but worthy inclusion in Le Bris’ team against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The teenager had only played two minutes of Premier League football before Sunday, but delivered an encouraging first-half performance.
Of course, Reinildo’s needless red card meant that Rigg made way in the 37th minute, but his chances will not end there.
Indeed, the 18-year-old’s inclusion against Aston Villa would have been a significant confidence boost, as it means that Le Bris seemingly believes in him more than Dan Neil at the moment.
If Sunderland’s manager decides to maintain the same formation, then Rigg would be the most likely to slot in against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
- Read more: What games Habib Diarra will miss as Regis Le Bris confirms crushing Sunderland injury blow
Regis Le Bris could shift Lutsharel Geertruida into midfield
Le Bris has already hailed Geertruida’s versatility and has hinted that he could play in midfield when required.
The 25-year-old was signed on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig on deadline day and has primarily played as a right-back.
However, across his career, Geertruida has also featured at centre-back and crucially as a defensive midfielder.
The Dutchman has made two appearances as a substitute so far, but has the ability and temperament to fill the void left by Diarra if needed.
Will there be too much pressure on Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka?
Xhaka has performed admirably for Sunderland so far this season and has already proved how he could be a crucial ingredient on Wearside.
However, with Diarra out injured, will the Switzerland international have too much expected of him?
- Xhaka replaced Neil as Sunderland captain
- He has played every minute of Premier League football this season
- Was rested for the Carabao Cup tie with Huddersfield Town
For the time being, the answer is probably no as the Wearsiders coped well without their record signing just fine on Sunday.
However, more will be expected of Xhaka and Noah Sadiki in the middle of the park to provide that spark for the attacking players.
Furthermore, a worst-case scenario would be if the 32-year-old were to pick up an injury of some kind during Diarra’s absence.
Dan Neil can revive Sunderland career after Habib Diarra developments
Neil was expected by many to sign a new contract over the summer, but that has yet to come to fruition.
With less than a year remaining on his current deal, there is an expectation that the 23-year-old could depart his boyhood club.
However, with Diarra out for an extended period, it is highly plausible that the midfielder will be given more opportunities under Le Bris.
So far, he has only appeared as a substitute in the Premier League once, and while Rigg may be preferred, he will not start every game.
While Sunderland will miss Diarra, the door is now open to the players on the periphery to grasp their chance.
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