Diarra (hamstring) will be sidelined for approximately six-to-eight weeks after suffering the injury during Sunday's win over Fulham, according to coach Regis Le Bris. "Habib is out for about 6-8 weeks, which is a shame after the impact he made against Fulham."
Analysis:Diarra's injury is a significant setback after he made an immediate impact off the bench against Fulham, assisting Wilson Isidor's winner before being forced off in the 83rd minute. The midfielder had also impressed manager Regis Le Bris with his development during preseason, but the confirmed timeline will now keep him unavailable for much of the next two months. Sunderland will have to reshuffle their midfield rotation during his extended absence, with Diarra unlikely to return until later in the fall.
