Sunderland have been dealt an early injury concern ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.

Midfielder Habib Diarra has been removed from Sunderland’s Europa League squad and replaced by Chemsdine Talbi after being ruled out for six weeks with a muscle injury.

In less than five weeks, Newcastle host Sunderland at St James’ Park as both clubs look to bounce back from poor starts to the Premier League season. The Magpies sit four points above the relegation zone but have lost five of their last seven in all competitions, with Matthias Jaissle facing increased scrutiny.

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Meanwhile, Sunderland sit bottom of the Premier League table with Regis Le Bris also under pressure despite leading a newly-promoted Black Cats side to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification last season.

It’s Sunderland’s first time competing in Europe’s second-tier tournament as they host Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light on Thursday.

Sunderland trigger UEFA squad rule

The serious nature of Diarra’s injury has allowed Le Bris to replace the midfielder in Sunderland’s Europa League squad under UEFA rules. Sunderland will then submit a new squad list for the knockout stages in the new year, should they progress from the league phase.

Explaining Diarra’s injury setback, Le Bris said: “Probably around six weeks for the first diagnosis. So, we are sad for him.

“At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to swap Habib with Chemsdine. So, at that point, because of the restriction of the UEFA list, it helps. He worked hard to get back after the previous injury. We expected him because he’s important in our squad. So, we have to understand exactly the injury, the why, and prepare him for the next comeback.”

Diarra started and Talbi scored in Sunderland’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park back in March as they completed another Premier League double over Newcastle. The Magpies have not beaten their rivals in the top flight at St James’ Park since October 2010, when they secured a 5-1 win.

In addition to Diarra likely being ruled out for next month’s derby, Dan Ballard is also a concern while Romaine Mundle is a long-term absentee for Sunderland.

“It’s important because we need every player,” Le Bris added. “We don’t have many injuries, but they are serious. Romaine, Ballard, and Habib now.”

Newcastle’s injury concerns include Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen, though it is hoped all three will be back in contention within the next month.