Black Cats boosted by AFCON returns

REGIS Le Bris is hopeful returning Africa Cup of Nations duo Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi can be available for Sunderland's meeting with West Ham.

- REBECCA JOHNSON

Despite missing the final due to suspension, Diarra returns to the Black Cats as a champion after Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the tournament's showpiece last weekend, where Talbi was an unused substitute for the runners-up, and Le Bris revealed both may be involved in today's 12.30 kickoff.

He said: "Yeah, they are back training. Habib only (returned to training) on Thursday, so the checkup is still ongoing. They could be available for the next fixture. I hope they will be able to play, but we'll see for the starting lineup."