Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is back from the African Cup of Nations.

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has claimed that Black Cats record signing Habib Diarra “will struggle” to regain his place in Regis Le Bris’ starting XI following his return from the African Cup of Nations.

The midfielder arrived on Wearside from RC Strasbourg during the summer transfer window for a fee of around £30 million, and started in each of Sunderland’s opening quartet of Premier League matches.

A untimely groin injury ruled him out from September through to December, however, with Diarra undergoing surgery to rectify the issue during his period on the sidelines. The 22-year-old then made a cameo appearance in a 0-0 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion just prior to Christmas before jetting off to AFCON, where he would go on to help Senegal lift the continental title.

During a press conference on Thursday, Le Bris confirmed that Diarra and fellow AFCON finalist Chemsdine Talbi had both returned to the North East, and could be in contention to play some kind of role against West Ham this weekend. He said: “Yeah, they are back training.

“Habib only returned to training today, so the check-up is still ongoing. I hope that they could be available for the next fixture. I hope they will be able to play, but we'll see for the starting line-up.”

But with a sustained comeback at club level now firmly in his sights, Phillips has argued that Diarra may have to be patient for a chance to force his way back into Le Bris’ first XI - especially given the recent form of fellow midfielder Enzo Le Fée.

What did Kevin Phillips say about Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra?

Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of BestBettingSites.co.uk, the Black Cats icon said: “I would say he will struggle to get back into the team at the moment. The team pretty much picks itself at the moment. But he’s not a bad player to have back up. He’s a club record signing at £30 million. He’s only made, I think, five appearances. So, he’ll need to fight his way back into the team. It’s down to him to keep his place, but he’s clearly got talent, so he’s an excellent backup for Le Fée. At the minute he’s just gonna have to be patient.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

What else has been said about Habib Diarra?

Phillips is not the only pundit who believes that Diarra may have to settle for a role on the bench over the coming weeks. Speaking during an appearance on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport, former Sunderland defender Darren Williams also questioned whether the summer signing can expect to walk straight into Le Bris’ starting XI upon his return.

He said: “Now, you look at it and the guys have done well over the period of time that Diarra has been at the AFCON. For me, I don't think Regis will - I'm not saying he won't, but I don't think he will. I think that, like I say, the lads have done well enough to earn their spot at this moment in time.

“I'm not saying Diarra has lost his spot, but being away with the AFCON obviously it's created a space or somebody to step into, and I think if somebody comes in and does well, you're reluctant to take them back out of the team because it can have an effect on that player. But it's a nice headache to have, let's be honest. It's nice to have the lads back and it just bolsters the squad up for the back end of the season.”

Your next Sunderland read: Graeme Murty reflects on Sunderland U21s’ PL International Cup exit after Dortmund defeat