Habib Diarra twist as new report claims major fitness boost ahead of Newcastle United derby
Reports claim Habib Diarra could return to the squad this weekend, despite Régis Le Bris suggesting after Man City that the Newcastle clash may come too soon
There has been fresh reporting in France surrounding Habib Diarra’s fitness as the midfielder continues his road back from groin surgery, with claims he has now been taking part in “high-intensity training” for two weeks.
However, despite optimism around his recovery, Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has already suggested that this weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United will come too soon for him. Dsports reports that Diarra is edging closer to a full return and could rejoin Sunderland’s squad as early as this weekend, depending on how he responds in training.
Their report stated: “Habib Diarra has resumed high-intensity training for the past two weeks. This gradual return to fitness should allow him to rejoin the Sunderland squad as early as this weekend.” A source close to the player added: “Everything is going well for him. He has resumed high-intensity training, and his goal is to play in the next AFCON with Senegal.”
The encouraging update paints a positive long-term picture, though the short-term outlook remains cautious. Speaking after Sunderland’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, Le Bris admitted that the derby may come just too early, despite Diarra’s progress behind the scenes. Le Bris said: “For Rei, it could be okay, but for Habib, it would be too short, I think.”
Diarra was always facing a tight turnaround after undergoing surgery earlier in the campaign. Sunderland expected him to return around late December, and while his recovery has accelerated in recent weeks, the staff are keen to avoid any risk of recurrence. His target of playing at AFCON with Senegal also means any setback now could be costly.
There was brighter news regarding Reinildo, who missed the Man City defeat with a minor groin injury but is expected to be available. Le Bris also moved quickly to protect Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki once City’s third goal went in, withdrawing both players to ensure they avoided suspensions. The pair will therefore be free to face Newcastle. The head coach said earlier in the week: “Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something. I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried.”
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Sunderland will, however, be without Luke O’Nien, who received a straight red card for a late challenge on Matheus Nunes – upgraded from yellow to red on VAR review. He will now miss three matches, including the derby. There are further potential selection boosts. Arthur Masuaku could return to the matchday squad despite uncertainty over his long-term future, while Dennis Cirkin has completed another 90 minutes for the U21s and is moving closer to contention.
Le Bris reiterated that Masuaku remains involved: “Maybe, we'll see, [on January departure]. It's just a question of balance on the bench. We made the decision to build this bench in order to have different options. Arthur is still with us.”
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