Habib Diarra a doubt for Senegal’s double-header against Sudan

Patrick Vieira will likely have to do without one of his midfielders during the upcoming international break. Having sustained a thigh injury in training with Sunderland, Habib Diarra is expected to miss both matches against Sudan, which count towards the third and fourth matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The news was announced by his manager, Régis Le Bris. The French manager confirmed the Senegalese player’s injury, whilst noting that its severity was not yet known. “ So, Habib, it's a shame because he got a muscle injury during the training session. We don't know yet the severity of it.”

According to initial estimates, the Senegalese international could be sidelined for around three weeks. This period seriously jeopardises his chances of making the squad for the next two international fixtures.

Habib Diarra is therefore expected to miss the matches against Sudan, scheduled for 12 and 16 November. This is another major blow for Senegal, who will have to manage without their midfielder for these two crucial matches in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.