Chemsdine Talbi has been added to Sunderland’s Europa League squad following Habib Diarra’s latest injury setback.

Sunderland have added Chemsdine Talbi to their Europa League squad in place of Habib Diarra following the midfielder’s latest muscle injury.

Régis Le Bris confirmed Talbi is available to face Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, giving Sunderland another attacking option after the winger missed their opening three European fixtures. The change comes as Diarra faces another spell on the sidelines, with Le Bris revealing an initial recovery estimate of around six weeks. Talbi has been registered under the long-term injury replacement provision in Article 31.14 of UEFA’s Europa League regulations.

Explaining Diarra’s setback and the squad change, Le Bris said: “Probably around six weeks for the first diagnosis. So, we are sad for him. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to swap Habib with Chemsdine. So, at that point, because of the restriction of the UEFA list, it helps. He worked hard to get back after the previous injury. We expected him because he’s important in our squad. So, we have to understand exactly the injury, the why, and prepare him for the next comeback.”

Talbi was initially omitted amid uncertainty over his future during the summer transfer window. Although he stayed, he could not feature as Sunderland collected seven points against AZ, Torreense and Lech Poznań. He recently opened the scoring in the Carabao Cup victory over Brentford, helping secure a quarter-final place. His European inclusion now offers another opportunity to build on that performance.

Le Bris welcomed having Talbi available and highlighted the squad’s determination to respond to their difficult league form. “It’s important because we need every player. We don’t have many injuries, but they are serious. Romaine, Ballard, and Habib now. But for the others, they want to play. And that’s a really positive vibe we can feel on the pitch. This morning, we worked with the starting XI, and the others want to show up. We want to play. We want to prove that we are a good team, and we can bounce back.”

UEFA’s rule allows one temporary outfield replacement for an injury qualifying as lasting at least 60 days, with medical evidence required. The change must be made by matchday six, and the replacement must have been registered with the club before the original European squad deadline. Although Le Bris’ initial estimate is around six weeks, Diarra cannot play in UEFA competition before the 60-day period ends. That period runs from the injury date. He could return domestically sooner if fit.

Le Bris also provided an update on Dan Ballard, with mid-December the target for his return to training sessions rather than a confirmed playing comeback. “I am pleased because this morning he was on the bike which is good. It shows he is really close to run on the pitch, which will be next week. The target is mid-December to join the training sessions.”

Ballard’s progress offers encouragement, although Sunderland must continue managing their defensive options while he works towards rejoining the squad. Talbi, meanwhile, can make an immediate contribution as attention turns to Zagreb.

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