Habib Diarra's latest injury setback "is frustrating" for the midfielder, Regis le Bris and supporters, says former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini.

Le Bris confirmed on Wednesday that Diarra's expected to be sidelined for about six weeks with a muscle injury he picked up in training.

The 21-year-old, who had only recently returned from a hamstring injury, also had a disrupted 2025-26 debut campaign after having groin surgery.

"It's been frustrating for him more than anybody else," said Gabbiadini on BBC Radio Newcastle. "It's not great for the fans either.

"We've had quite a few people come on [the show] and they don't really know the player that well because of the stop-start conditions.

"Even when he comes back from injury it takes him a little while to get back up to full pace.

"He was a big signing last season. When he has played he's looked decent.

"He's been part of a team that was successful last season, but it is frustrating when a player just keeps breaking down like this.

"Some players are susceptible to them [muscle injuries] and there's not much you can do about it."