Losing Diarra for two months to injury 'a huge blow'

Sunderland could be without midfielder Habib Diarra for up to two months, and former striker Marco Gabbiadini has called the potential absence "a huge blow" for the Black Cats, according to BBC News.

The 22-year-old featured as a substitute in Sunderland's opening two Premier League fixtures this season before picking up an injury that now threatens to sideline him for a significant chunk of the campaign.

While details of the exact issue remain limited, Gabbiadini's comments underline the importance Diarra has already shown in a Sunderland side navigating life back in the top flight. Losing a player of his profile for an extended spell would test the club's squad depth as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League.