Habib Diarra of Sunderland (Image: Andrew Parsons/Shutterstock)

Sunderland star Habib Diarra may be pulled out of the African Cup of Nations as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Senegal midfielder has not played for the Black Cats since September. He picked up a groin injury in training ahead of the club’s Premier League fixture versus Aston Villa.

Such was the severity of the injury, Diarra underwent surgery with December pencilled in for his comeback. The AFCON is also due to start in late December with players jetting out after the Wear-Tyne derby.

Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris admits the club will continue to assess Diarra's recovery, but said that the player may not go to the tournament if they feel he is not fit enough.

“I think for Habib, and our players in general,

See Full Page