Habib Diarra marked his return to action with a determined performance in Strasbourg’s 1-0 win over Reims, as the Ligue 1 side continues its push for European qualification.
The Senegalese midfielder had been sidelined since early March after suffering a sprained left ankle during a league clash against Auxerre.
His absence was felt both at club level and with the Senegal national team, where he missed the most recent international fixtures.
However, his comeback on Saturday brought a wave of optimism to Racing Club de Strasbourg, who are fighting to remain in contention for a place in Europe next season.
Diarra came off the bench in the 57th minute and injected energy into a tightly contested match.
Following the game, the 20-year-old captain spoke to DAZN, expressing his delight at the result and his readiness to contribute in the final stretch of the campaign.
“I’m doing great! We took the three points, that’s the most important thing. We’re not going to give up, we’re going to keep fighting until the end,” he said with a smile, reflecting a buoyant mood inside the Strasbourg camp.
While Strasbourg were far from their best on the day, the midfielder highlighted the importance of resilience and unity in securing the victory.
“We weren’t at our best today, but it’s a victory that counts. A victory based on character, with a scoreline to hold on to until the end,” he said.
“The coach often talks to us about the elite mentality, and I think this clean sheet illustrates it well.”
Diarra’s return comes at a crucial point in the season, with Strasbourg now entering the final stretch of their campaign.
The win over Reims not only consolidated their place near the top of the table but also intensified hopes of European qualification.
Though Diarra remained cautious in his optimism, he made it clear that the squad is eyeing more than just a strong finish.
Asked about the possibility of Champions League qualification, the midfielder acknowledged the ambition within the team.
“Two matches against Nice and Monaco to try to reach the Champions League? No, there are six matches left,” he said with a grin.
“They will all be important. We will prepare well to go for Europe.”
Diarra continued, “Of course we know that it is possible to reach the Champions League. We are not crazy—we know that it is more than possible. We will give everything, until the end, and we will do the math at the end.”
His return is not just a boost for Strasbourg on the pitch, but also a lift to morale, as the club looks to maintain momentum in the business end of the season.
With matches looming against key rivals, including Nice and Monaco, Strasbourg’s European hopes could rest on performances like Saturday’s—gritty, disciplined, and full of character.
As Diarra gradually builds back to full fitness, Strasbourg’s captain is not only focused on his own comeback but is rallying his teammates for what could be a historic finish.
