Sunderland star close to returning from injury | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris says midfielder Habib Diarra is set to return to training next week before potentially going to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Senegal international has not played since September because of a groin injury, having moved to the Black Cats in the summer for around £30m.

But despite having been out for so long, the Sunderland boss says he could still go to AFCON.

“Habib will train with the group next week,” he said.

“He will train and will be ready to go. He will need probably one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab programme.

“After that, it depends on AFCON and so on but we need to build his fitness level and after that he will be ready.

“The decision is with the national team. If they want to select the player, they can and it’s not our decision.”

Sunderland are set to lose up to seven players to AFCON after Sunday’s derby against Newcastle, including defender Reinildo.

But Le Bris says Dennis Cirkin is ready to step up in place of Reinildo having recently worked his way back from injury.

“He’s ready and has trained properly now for two or three weeks,” Le Bris said.

“He’s connected with the group and it’s good news because now we don’t have many injuries.”