Morocco’s Chemseddine Talbi added to Sunderland’s Europa League squad after Diarra injury

Moroccan international Chemseddine Talbi has been added to Sunderland’s Europa League squad following an injury to midfielder Habib Diarra, the English club have confirmed.

The winger has been registered as Diarra’s replacement after the Senegalese midfielder was ruled out for an extended period, giving head coach Regis Le Bris another option ahead of Sunderland’s European campaign.

Le Bris confirmed Talbi’s availability ahead of Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Dinamo Zagreb, making the Moroccan eligible for selection.

Talbi handed Europa League opportunity

The 20-year-old had missed Sunderland’s opening three matches in the competition because he was not included in the club’s initial squad registration.

However, Diarra’s injury has opened the door for the Moroccan to be added to the continental roster under UEFA regulations.

“The initial assessment indicates he will be out for around six weeks. We feel for Diarra, but it does allow us to swap him for Chemsdine Talbi, which gives us welcome flexibility under UEFA squad restrictions,” the Sunderland coach said.

Le Bris also acknowledged the impact of injuries on his squad but remained encouraged by the attitude of the available players.

“We don’t have many injuries, but they are serious. Romain, Ballard and Habib now, but for the others, they want to play and that’s a really positive vibe we can feel on the pitch. We want to prove that we are a good team and we can bounce back,” he added.

UEFA regulations allow Sunderland to make change

Le Bris explained that Sunderland used UEFA Article 31.14 to register Talbi in place of Diarra.

The regulation allows clubs to replace a player who suffers a long-term injury expected to keep them out for at least 60 days, provided the necessary medical documentation is submitted.

Sunderland had collected seven points from their opening three Europa League matches against AZ Alkmaar, Torreense and Lech Poznan before Talbi’s registration.

Moroccan forward arrives in good form

Talbi heads into the European opportunity after making an impression in Sunderland’s domestic campaign.

The Moroccan recently scored the opening goal in the club’s League Cup victory over Brentford, a result that secured their place in the quarter-finals.

His inclusion provides Sunderland with additional attacking options as they continue their Europa League campaign.