Régis Le Bris has revealed that he told Habib Diarra in pre-season that he would have a major role to play for Sunderland this season.
Diarra endured a frustrating first campaign on Wearside, with some significant highs offset by a couple of significant injury setbacks. However, he produced a brilliant cameo from the bench in Sunderland's win over Fulham in August to assist Wilson Isidor before suffering a hamstring injury minutes later. While it is not yet clear whether he will be able to play a part in Sunderland's busy week of fixtures after the current international break, the midfielder is nearing a return to fitness.
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Speaking ahead of that game against Fulham in which Diarra was so central to the win, the Sunderland head coach explained how he told the 22-year-old not to worry about his likely exclusion from the starting XI at the start of the campaign as he was a key part of his plans for the long season ahead.
"We have at the minute four really strong midfielders," Le Bris said.
"I explained to Habib early in the season you are a starter, but you are fourth at the minute. The season will be long and we will need everyone involved in the process, so don't pay attention to the starting eleven because we will need you sooner or later and you're really important."
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Diarra underwent a scan last week, with Sunderland hopeful that the result would clear the way for him to step up his comeback and return in two to three weeks. If all goes well, he could return to bolster the squad at some stage during the demanding schedule of seven games in 21 days after the break.
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