Sunderland · France · 50 yrs
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says the Black Cats potentially losing midfielder Habib Diarra for up to two months with injury is "a huge blow". The 22-year-old came on as a substitute in Sunderland's opening two Premier League games, but had to then be withdrawn again in last weekend's win over Fulham after picking up a hamstring issue. Black Cats boss Regis le Bris has since confirmed he is set to be out for "six to eight weeks".
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST). Le Bris confirmed Habib Diarra will be sidelined for around six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury: "It's frustrating, but we have to manage it and we will find solutions... It's a shame because I was so pleased with his pre-season and he's getting more mature about his game, about clarity on the pitch, about his qualities and how they fit with the demand of the Premier League."
Sunderland appear to have won the race to sign Malick Fofana (Reuters) Lyon winger Malick Fofana is set to join Sunderland after U-turning on a transfer to Crystal Palace on deadline day, according to reports in France. Fofana had initially agreed to join Sunderland in a deal worth €35 million (£29.9m) but Palace appeared to hijack the Black Cats’ move by reaching their own €39m (£33.4m) agreement with Lyon on Tuesday. The 21-year-old looked on course to sign for Palace on deadline day, but L’Equipe are now reporting that Sunderland rescued their deal by offering more commission to the Belgian’s agents. Fofana is now understood to be travelling to Sunderland in order to finalise his move to Regis Le Bris’ side. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Earlier on Tuesday, reports claimed that Arsenal were considering a move for Fofana to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. Fofana is said to have spoken to Arteta about a potential move to Arsenal and was open to the possibility of joining the Premier League champions. Last season, Fofana’s campaign was heavily disrupted due to ankle surgery and the winger made just 16 appearances across all competitions. Fofana has also made five appearances for Belgium’s national team but was not part of the squad for their World Cup campaign earlier this summer. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Sunderland have shifted their attention towards Lyon winger Malick Fofana as Régis Le Bris pushes to strengthen his squad before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Jack Grealish had emerged as Sunderland’s dream attacking addition ahead of their Europa League campaign, but a deal for the Manchester City winger now looks increasingly difficult. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add […] The post Sunderland want to sign Belgium ace after Grealish snub appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele is angry at pundits who are predicting the Black Cats to face relegation from the Premier League this season. "I hear some things outside that I don't like, that people say again, like we'll go back down," the 28-year-old told BBC Radio Newcastle. Regis le Bris' side defied the odds last season and not only beat the trend of promoted sides going straight back down, but qualified for the Europa League.
At the final whistle Álvaro Arbeloa provided a study in pensiveness while Régis Le Bris simply looked relieved. For protracted periods an almost palpable fear of losing formed the subtext of a match decided when two of the Sunderland manager’s second-half substitutes, Habib Diarra and Wilson Isidor, combined for the latter to score.Isidor’s goal not merely supplied Sunderland with their first win of the season while leaving Arbeloa’s side pointless, but also ended his side’s 17‑year run without a Premier League home victory against Fulham. Continue reading...
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