Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set for another spell on the sidelines...

Former Sunderland icon Marco Gabbiadini has admitted that Habib Diarra’s latest injury setback represents a “frustrating” blow for the Black Cats.

The Senegalese international has been plagued by fitness issues since completing a big money move to the Stadium of Light last summer, and after missing a notable chunk of his debut season in England, was also sidelined earlier this term due to a hamstring complaint.

Diarra did return to action for a spell, but was taken off partway through last week’s Carabao Cup victory over Brentford, and subsequently missed Saturday’s Premier League defeat against Coventry City. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has since confirmed that the midfielder is now expected to be absent for six weeks due to a muscle injury, and has been replaced in the Black Cats’ Europa League squad by Chemsdine Talbi.

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Addressing the development during an appearance on BBC Radio Newcastle, Gabbiadini said: "It's been frustrating for him more than anybody else. It's not great for the fans either. We've had quite a few people come on [the show] and they don't really know the player that well because of the stop-start conditions.

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"Even when he comes back from injury it takes him a little while to get back up to full pace. He was a big signing last season. When he has played he's looked decent. He's been part of a team that was successful last season, but it is frustrating when a player just keeps breaking down like this. Some players are susceptible to them [muscle injuries] and there's not much you can do about it."

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