Midfielders Habib Diarra and Hannibal Mejbri sidelined by hamstring injuries

Midfielders Habib Diarra and Hannibal Mejbri face significant injury setbacks that will sideline them for several months.

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is expected to be unavailable for six to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during a match against Fulham. Sunderland coach Régis Le Bris confirmed the injury, noting that Diarra’s absence will also prevent him from joining the Senegal national team for upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia in late September.

Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri will be out for at least three to four months following surgery for a hamstring injury. Burnley coach Nicky Hayen confirmed the procedure after the player was injured in a match against Bristol City. Mejbri’s recovery period may extend his absence into late 2026 or early 2027, potentially impacting his availability for the Tunisian national team during upcoming international fixtures.