Régis Le Bris drops big Sunderland selection hint for West Ham clash following Habib Diarra's return
The Sunderland head coach has some very welcome selection dilemmas as the club prepare to face West Ham
Régis Le Bris has hinted that Habib Diarra will have to be patient for his opportunity to return to the Sunderland starting XI after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Diarra trained with his team mates on Thursday for the first time following Senegal's success in the tournament, meaning that both he and Chemsdine Talbi should be available to return to the matchday squad at West Ham United on Saturday lunchtime. The return of the club's record signing hands Le Bris a very welcome selection dilemma, one that has been complicated by Enzo Le Fée's superb form playing as the number ten.
Le Fée has played much of his Sunderland career on the left flank but speaking ahead of the trip to West Ham, Le Bris hinted that he was unlikely to overhaul a shape that has delivered strong back-to-back results and performances from his side.
Le Bris explained: "Usually I like riding the momentum, I prefer consistency and continuity rather than changing everything because I know at this level just subtle changes can disturb the dynamic of the team. It's always slight adjustments, so we'll work like that."
Le Bris is nevertheless revelling in the added depth Diarra brings, and says it feels like he has been given a new January addition given that the midfielder has thus far only been able to make four appearances for the club.
"It will be a new start," he said of Diarra's return.
"The story is different now for him and for the squad as well.
"It's more or less a new signing because he only played three or four games at the beginning of our journey, then he got this injury. The team evolved massively. What we know is he's a great player and he's really young and he can play in different positions.
"At Strasbourg he played in the middle - 6, 8, 10 - he can play as a winger sometimes. He's versatile, strong, has a willingness to learn. This is the dynamic of the Premier League, you always need to evolve, so it's positive news for us."
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 Habib Diarra told Sunderland on his AFCON return
Sunderland's careful planning with Senegal over Diarra's return from a serious groin injury has paid off for all parties, with the midfielder steadily rebuilding his match sharpness while making a big contribution to his nations's success.
Le Bris says Diarra thanked the club for their support and that he hopes the club can benefit from the energy he can bring from Senegal's win.
"Habib reminded us this morning how pleased he was to be supported by the club before this period and during this period," Le Bris said.
"For us, it was an important position. We are working for the club and the Premier League games, but we are also working for the players. t's a connection. Even if you don't play with six players during the long period, when they come back, they will have good energy, positive vibes, and it will be important for the next period."