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Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra ruled out until December following surgery

Issa Said September 23, 2025

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to be sidelined until December after undergoing successful surgery on Monday, the English club has confirmed.

The 21-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from RC Strasbourg this summer, suffered a groin injury in training that forced him to miss the team’s most recent league fixture.

Diarra’s absence will impact both Sunderland and the Senegal national team, with the midfielder expected to miss several key Premier League matches in the coming months.

Among the fixtures he will miss are high-profile clashes against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, all critical encounters for the club as they seek to improve their position in the league table.

The injury also rules Diarra out of Senegal’s upcoming international commitments. During the October and November international windows, the Senegal Lions are scheduled to face South Sudan and Mauritania in the 9th and 10th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

His unavailability will be a setback for coach Pape Thiaw as the team aims to maintain momentum in their campaign.

Sunderland’s statement regarding Diarra’s surgery was brief but reassuring, confirming the operation was successful and providing a timeline for his return.

The club is expected to manage his rehabilitation carefully to ensure he returns to full fitness without risk of recurrence, particularly given the intensity of both domestic and international schedules.

Diarra, who has already begun to make an impression in English football, has been praised for his technical ability, vision, and versatility in midfield.

His injury represents a significant loss for Sunderland as they navigate a challenging period in the Premier League, with key matches against top opponents lined up in the months ahead.

The midfielder’s early performances since arriving from Strasbourg this summer had suggested he would quickly adapt to the demands of English football.

Sunderland fans will be hoping that his recovery proceeds smoothly so he can return to contribute to the team during the crucial winter period.

For Senegal, Diarra’s absence comes at a vital stage of the World Cup qualifying campaign. The Lions will now need to rely on alternative midfield options to secure victories against South Sudan and Mauritania, matches that could play a decisive role in their progression to the final rounds of qualification.

Coach Pape Thiaw will have to adjust his squad accordingly, balancing the demands of competitive fixtures while ensuring players remain fit and available throughout the campaign.

While the news of Diarra’s injury is a setback, Sunderland and Senegal will monitor his recovery closely. Medical staff at both the club and national team are expected to coordinate to ensure a safe and effective rehabilitation process, with the goal of returning the midfielder to peak condition ahead of December fixtures.