AFCON 2025: Régis Le Bris says Habib Diarra’s fate rests with Senegal

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris says the decision on whether Habib Diarra will take part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations rests entirely with Senegal’s coaching staff, as the midfielder edges closer to a long-awaited return from injury.

Diarra has been out of action since September after suffering a groin injury in a match against Crystal Palace.

His recovery has progressed steadily in recent weeks, and Le Bris confirmed on Friday that the 21-year-old is set to resume full training with the squad next week following what he described as a highly effective rehabilitation programme.

Habib will train with the group next week and will be fully back. He will probably need one or two weeks to regain his best level thanks to the good work done in rehabilitation. After that, everything will depend on the AFCON. We still need to fine-tune his physical condition and, after that, he will be ready, the French manager said.

With Senegal due to unveil their AFCON squad on Saturday, Diarra’s possible inclusion has become a topic of keen interest.

His absence over the past months has been a significant setback, but the midfielder’s potential return to match fitness ahead of the tournament has prompted questions about whether he might be selected.

Le Bris made clear that Sunderland will not influence the national team’s decision, stressing that the matter lies exclusively with Senegal’s football authorities.

The decision belongs to the national team. If they wish to call him up, they can. It’s not up to us, he stated.

Diarra’s impending return to training marks a crucial stage in his recovery, but Le Bris emphasised that the player will still require time to regain competitive rhythm.

Even so, the coach expressed confidence in the work done during rehabilitation and suggested that Diarra is close to being physically ready should Senegal opt to include him in their plans.

The timing of his recovery places Diarra in a delicate position as the tournament approaches.

While his club is preparing to reintegrate him into regular sessions, national team selectors must weigh his recent inactivity against his profile and potential impact on the squad.

As anticipation builds ahead of Senegal’s squad announcement, Diarra’s situation remains one of the final uncertainties.

Sunderland’s stance is now clear: the player will be fit to return soon, but his international future in the coming weeks is a decision that belongs solely to Senegal.