Habib Diarra injury timescale as Sunderland confirm Senegal star’s operation

Sunderland have been rocked by news that midfielder Habib Diarra has been ruled out until December after the club confirmed he has had surgery on a groin injury.

The 21-year-old arrived from Strasbourg in the summer in a deal that could add up to around £35m, and has impressed in his first Premier League appearances for the Black Cats.

He missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa with head coach Regis Le Bris confirming he had a groin problem.

However, he is now set to miss at least nine games for Le Bris’ side, with a busy schedule before December arrives.

It’s not clear when the Senegal star will return to action, but Sunderland will hope he is fit to take part in their testing pre-Christmas schedule, which includes games against Liverpool, Manchester City and that first Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light against rivals Newcastle United on December 13.