Sunderland 1-1 Everton: James Copley reacts to VAR controversy
Sunderland have been handed a major boost after Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra revealed their expected return dates from injury
Sunderland have received a welcome boost ahead of a key run of fixtures, with Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra both revealing their planned return dates from injury.
Speaking to Frankie Francis ahead of Monday night’s 1–1 draw with Everton, Mundle praised his teammates’ strong start to the season and hinted that he is close to a comeback. “I think the boys deserved it,” he said. “I'm quite surprised by the way the boys played (against Chelsea). That’s nothing short of what we deserve right now. Hopefully, we can carry on and hopefully win tonight. As always, the rest of us as well. So it's just down to the boys to execute.”
When asked about when he might be back in action, the winger responded confidently: “Hopefully the Fulham game.” The answer was caught on video by multiple fans and posted online ahead of the Monday Night Football clash against Everton at the Stadium of Light.
Mundle has endured a frustrating spell on Wearside, having suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury during Sunderland’s pre-season trip to Portugal. The 21-year-old had returned from a long-term layoff for the play-off campaign last season but was ruled out again shortly after. He has since been cleared by specialists to enter the final stages of his rehabilitation and is now building fitness ahead of his expected return later this month.
Teammate Habib Diarra was also on hand to provide an update on his recovery — and his response delighted fans in attendance. “It will be the Newcastle game,” the midfielder revealed, sparking cheers and applause from Sunderland supporters. The Senegal international underwent groin surgery in late September after sustaining an injury in training before the Premier League clash with Aston Villa. A club statement at the time confirmed:
“Sunderland AFC midfielder Habib Diarra underwent successful surgery on Monday. After sustaining a groin injury in training ahead of the club’s Premier League fixture versus Aston Villa, the 21-year-old will now begin a period of rehabilitation at the Academy of Light. Diarra, who moved to Wearside from RC Strasbourg in July, is scheduled to return to action in December.”
Diarra’s return would provide a significant boost to Régis Le Bris’ midfield options ahead of a testing festive period that includes fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, as well as Senegal’s AFCON campaign, which begins on December 23rd against Botswana. With Mundle targeting a comeback for the Fulham clash and Diarra aiming for the Wear-Tyne derby, Sunderland’s squad depth could be set for a timely lift heading into one of the busiest stretches of the season.
What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs Everton?
Omar Alderete remains a doubt for Sunderland’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal this weekend. The Paraguayan defender has missed the Black Cats’ last two fixtures after sustaining a concussion in the 2–0 victory over Wolves. Head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed following Monday’s 1–1 draw with Everton that Alderete is still experiencing minor symptoms, with the club adopting a cautious approach to his recovery.
Sunderland had initially hoped the 27-year-old would complete his return-to-play protocols in time to feature against Everton, but he was ruled out after not fully clearing the final medical checks. His availability for Saturday’s clash with Mikel Arteta’s side remains uncertain.
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Le Bris explained: “We don't know yet [whether he’ll be fit to face Arsenal], he had a residual symptom, so we have to assess his health.”
Alderete has been a consistent presence in Sunderland’s back line this season, and his absence would represent a significant blow as the club prepares to face the league leaders.
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