Alious£30m Sunderland Star Faces Fitness Battle Ahead of Tyne-Wear Derby
Sunderland’s long-awaited Premier League return has already thrown up its first major setback, with a record-breaking summer signing now facing a race against time to be fit for the Tyne-Wear derby.
The Black Cats’ promotion has reignited one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, as December will see Sunderland host Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light for the first league derby clash in a decade. The reverse fixture at St James’ Park is scheduled for March 2026, ensuring the bitter rivalry will once again dominate the North East calendar.
For Sunderland, the build-up has taken a worrying twist. Star midfielder **Habib Diarra**, signed for £30 million from Strasbourg during the summer, has been sidelined after undergoing groin surgery. The club confirmed he will be out until at least December, casting doubt on his availability for the derby on December 13th. The 21-year-old had quickly established himself as a key figure under Regis Le Bris, and his absence represents a significant blow to Sunderland’s momentum after an encouraging start to life back in the top flight.
While Sunderland fret over Diarra’s rehabilitation, Newcastle will arrive on Wearside fresh from a Champions League encounter with Bayer Leverkusen—a demanding schedule that Sunderland may see as an opportunity to exploit. Still, much will depend on whether Diarra can recover in time to anchor the midfield for what promises to be a high-stakes contest.
The Tyne-Wear derby itself carries added intrigue. The last Premier League meeting between the two clubs came back in March 2016, with the most recent clash being an FA Cup third-round tie in January 2024. On that occasion, Newcastle cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light, thanks in part to two goals from Alexander Isak.
Yet, the Magpies are in need of a new derby talisman. Isak’s controversial departure to Liverpool this summer soured his reputation with Newcastle fans, leaving a void in derby folklore. Manager Eddie Howe must now identify the next hero capable of etching their name into Tyne-Wear history, all while balancing the demands of the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
For Sunderland, however, the focus remains on Diarra. His fitness could shape not only their chances in December’s showdown but also their broader campaign back among England’s elite.
Alious
