SUNDERLAND will be boosted by the return of Reinildo for Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle - but the game will come too soon for Habib Diarra.

Reinildo missed last week's defeat at Manchester City with a groin problem but the left-back has now resumed full training and will play for the Black Cats on Sunday ahead of joining up with the Mozambique squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Despite the fact he hasn't played for Sunderland since mid-September having undergone groin surgery, Diarra could also still depart for AFCON next week, with Le Bris admitting the Black Cats are powerless to prevent the midfielder linking up with Senegal should he be named in the squad.

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Diarra is expected to resume full training with Sunderland next week, with Senegal's squa

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