Sunderland boss Le Bris reveals star midfielder’s absence ahead of Nottingham Forest clash | OneFootball

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has revealed midfielder Habib Diarra will miss their crucial Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.

This will come as a huge blow for the Black Cats as they look to extend their unbeaten run to four games.

The Senegal international has been a key figure for Sunderland, but Le Bris is confident his squad has the depth to cope against Forest, who sit on five points from the first five games.

“Injuries are part of the journey and it gives opportunities to other players to show their quality,” Le Bris explained. “They have worked hard so far so they deserve this opportunity. I am not worried about the situation, although it is a shame for Habib because he is very important for us.”

Le Bris may again turn to 18-year-old Chris Rigg, who stepped in for Diarra during last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. The young midfielder impressed in Sunderland’s Championship campaign last season and has gradually worked his way back to full fitness after a pre-season injury.

“Riggy played really well last season in the Championship and showed his quality and consistency,” Le Bris added. “This season, he got an early injury, but he worked hard to connect with the squad. I wasn’t worried about using him last week because he knows how we play, works hard every day and has lots of talent.”

The Sunderland boss also stressed the importance of squad flexibility, particularly after Reinildo Mandava’s first-half red card against Villa forced Dan Ballard’s introduction to restructure the side.

“When we built the squad, we thought about different options, and we have a player to cover Reinildo and versatility to create other options depending on the opposition,” Le Bris noted. “We have to be adaptable and that is already the case. It is very important to have different options.”

There may be a further boost at the back as Luke O’Nien edges closer to a return. The defender, who suffered a shoulder injury in last season’s play-off final, could feature for the first time this term. “He is an option,” confirmed Le Bris.

As Sunderland prepare for a vital clash at the Stadium of Light, Le Bris will be hoping that his squad’s depth and versatility can help them secure another positive result and continue their impressive start to the Premier League season.