'Going to suffer' - Sunderland fans rage at 'ridiculous' Habib Diarra announcement before Newcastle clash

Sunderland fans are not happy at Habib Diarra being called up to represent Senegal at the African Cup of Nations after his recent return from a long-term injury.

Habib Diarra arrived at Sunderland from Strasbourg for a club-record fee of £30million in the summer transfer window after impressing in Ligue 1 last season.

He was a key player as the Black Cats started this season well upon their return to the Premier League prior to missing a September clash against Aston Villa after suffering an injury in training.

Diarra was ruled out for three months as he underwent surgery on his groin, and he has been in recovery ever since, with a return to match action now on the horizon.

Sunderland fans will have been excited to see him back in action, but they are now not set to get the chance to see him play again for a while as he joins up with his international teammates next week.

Diarra has been called up to AFCON by Senegal despite only just being fully fit

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris spoke to the media about Diarra’s final stages of recovery in the build-up to their Wear-Tyne derby clash against Newcastle this Sunday (14 December).

He said: “Habib will train with the group next week and be in full training. He will probably need one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab programme, and after that it depends on AFCON.

“We need to build his fitness level and after that, he will be ready.“

The Frenchman also touched on the potential for him to be called up by Senegal, saying: “The decision is with the national team – if they want to select the player, they can – it’s not our decision.”

They have done just that, with Lions boss Pape Thiaw naming the midfielder in his official 28-man squad for AFCON on Saturday (13 November), despite his lack of match fitness.

Sunderland fans fume at Diarra being called up due to injury concerns

Taking to X, one fan reacted to the news, saying: “That’s absolutely shocking that. Hasn’t played for us for three months, just coming back from injury and now off to a tournament where if he breaks down again, we are the ones going to suffer.”

Another added: “Absolute joke Diarra has been called up.. Guaranteed he comes back injured,” while one said: “How is this even allowed when he’s been injured all season. Could come back crippled.”

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