Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra will be out for approximately six weeks, effectively ruling him out of December's Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United. Head coach Regis Le Bris confirmed the news in his pre-match press conference.
Diarra's setback and derby absence
The Senegal international has endured an injury-hit spell on Wearside. Le Bris stated: "It's probably around six weeks for the first diagnosis, so it's a tough one for him. At the same time it gives me the opportunity to swap as I did with Chemsdine Talbi."
The Magpies host their arch rivals at St James' Park on Sunday, December 6, with both sides aware the result could have a significant impact on their seasons. Newcastle have struggled for consistency, with pressure mounting on head coach Matthias Jaissle after just one Premier League win in their last four games.
Black Cats' tough run
Sunderland sit bottom of the Premier League table and face a hectic schedule, with Thursday night's Europa League tie against Dinamo Zagreb up next at the Stadium of Light. Le Bris acknowledged the challenge: "Yes it's frustrating. He worked hard to get back after his previous injury. He is important in our squad. We have to understand the injury and why it happened and prepare him for the next comeback. It's a problem because we need every player."
He added: "We don't have many injuries but they are serious. Romaine Mundle, Dan Ballard and Habib now. For the others they want to play and that's a really positive vibe. We have our starting XI and the others want the shirt."
Growing pains and standards
Despite their league position, Sunderland have started well in the Europa League. Le Bris described the situation as "growing pains, simple," and noted: "We are experiencing probably the most demanding challenge the club have ever faced in its history. Premier League, Europa League, quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup later."
He also addressed comments from Granit Xhaka after defeat at Coventry, saying: "We are talking about standards. Our game model is clear and we know what we want to do in different phases. And we struggled with our press against Coventry. We wanted to go man to man and we didn't face their mobility, it was a bit unusual if you compare with the game we experienced before. Coventry were able to play long without pressure. They kept the ball between our lines and our momentum was disrupted. It was about this. If we are not aligned we can't be efficient."
