Sunderland are back in Premier League action when they face Brighton on Saturday

Régis Le Bris has revealed a surprise injury boost for Sunderland, with Habib Diarra set to take a place on the bench at Brighton this weekend.

Diarra has been recovering from groin surgery and returned to full training in recent weeks, leading to his inclusion in the Senegal squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. However, the midfielder has not yet departed and will be named on the bench this Saturday.

Should he come through training and the game with no issues, he’ll then link up with Senegal next week and be able to play a full part in the tournament.

“He might be with us for Brighton and then it will be end of his rehab process. If it’s all positive, he will be able to leave for his national team [next week],” Le Bris said.

“Everyone else in their squads has departed.”

Having returned to full training, Le Bris said the club are happy for Diarra to depart next week and play a full part in the competition when it begins providing he comes through the weekend unscathed. He is not in contention to start the game on Saturday, but is likely to get some minutes from the bench. The Sunderland head coach confirmed that all of the other players set to represent their nation in the competition have departed and so will not be available for selection this weekend.

That leaves the Black Cats without six senior players this weekend and beyond, but Le Bris said he was confident in those who will come into the side.

“I think we still have a strong core in this group with great experience, good confidence at the minute, 26 points, which is useful for the next fixtures. After that, some of the players didn't play a lot and they will have opportunities to show their qualities. I believe that we have good players right now on the bench and they will show that they can help the squad.”

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Régis Le Bris on Sunderland’s Brighton challenge

Sunderland have made an excellent start to the season but Le Bris says the players and staff are under no illusions as to the size of the challenge ahead.

“They are good, strong side,” Le Bris said of Brighton.

“Many individual and collective threats. Impressive in possession, strong pressing team. Really intense, pace and power. Exciting challenge for us, once again.”

Your next Sunderland read: Everything Regis Le Bris said ahead of Brighton clash