Sunderland were beaten 3-1 by Coventry City on Saturday as their Premier League struggles continue

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Habib Diarra has picked up a fresh muscle injury.

Diarra was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad as Sunderland fell to a 3-1 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, a result that leave them rooted to the foot of the Premier League table. Sunderland had brought Diarra off at half time in the Carabao Cup win over Brentford to manage his workload as he returned to action from a hamstring injury, but he has suffered a new muscle issue in training since.

Le Bris said the club were not yet sure of the severity of the injury but he is clearly a major doubt for this week's games against Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea before a two-week international break.

Le Bris said: "So Habib, it's a shame because he got a muscle injury during the training session. We don't know yet the severity of it."

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Nordi Mukiele was also absent on Saturday afternoon, with Le Bris confirming afterwards that the Frenchman had suffered a concussion during the 0-0 draw with Leeds United. Mukiele won't feature in the Europa League on Thursday, but should be available to face Chelsea next weekend

"Nordi is in a concussion protocol at the minute, which he is why he wasn't available today," Le Bris said.

"So he won't be available against Dinamo Zagreb this week, but should be available for Chelsea."

Sunderland will be without Omar Alderete for Chelsea's visit as he serves a one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the defeat to Coventry. He will be eligible to face Dinamo Zagreb if selected.

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