Habib Diarra : «C'est le flou total»
As the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco, December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026) kicks off this Sunday in Morocco, a cloud hangs over the Senegalese Lions' den: the continued absence of Habib Diarra. Despite FIFA's December 15 deadline for him to be released from international duty, the Senegalese midfielder is still being held back by his club, Sunderland.
As reported by Walf Quotidien, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris announced that Diarra could participate in Saturday's match against Brighton to finalize his rehabilitation following groin surgery in September. The club is only considering releasing him after this game. This decision raises questions, especially since Diarra is the only Black Cats player who has not yet joined his national team, unlike his Moroccan, Congolese, and Burkinabe teammates.
According to the newspaper, this situation is reminiscent of the 2021 standoff with Watford over Ismaïla Sarr. At the time, the English club refused to release the striker due to injury. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had to intervene forcefully to get its way. Sarr eventually joined the national team and was instrumental in their eventual victory.
Regarding Diarra's case, the same source notes that what worries observers is the current silence of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). Unlike the 2021 case, no official statement has been made denouncing Sunderland's retention of the player. Habib Diarra, for his part, has said he is "ready" and eager to play in this competition, but he risks missing the Lions' first match scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, against Botswana.
Commentaires (4)
Participer à la Discussion
Règles de la communauté :
💡 Astuce : Utilisez des emojis depuis votre téléphone ou le module emoji ci-dessous. Cliquez sur GIF pour ajouter un GIF animé. Collez un lien X/Twitter ou TikTok pour l'afficher automatiquement.