Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says Habib Diarra’s absence will “unquestionably be a blow” for head coach Regis le Bris, but believes the Black Cats will be able to find a solution in their squad.

It is estimated that the 21-year-old midfielder will be sidelined for at least two months after undergoing “successful surgery” on a groin injury on Monday.

“I think Regis le Bris was hoping it would only be two or three weeks out when he spoke about it after Sunday’s match,” Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle. “But it won’t be, it is more serious.

“Diarra will be out until December now, which is a great shame because he was building quite the relationship with Noah Sadiki in the middle of the field.

“He is the club record-signing so of course it will unquestionably be a blow, but there are options for the head coach.

“Chris Rigg started on Sunday. I thought he looked fine for the 30 minutes or so that he played and he didn’t look out of his depth.

“Granit Xhaka could also drop a bit deeper, Enzo le Fee could then be played in the number 10 and Simon Adingra could be brought back into the side on the left.

“Another option is to possibly play Dan Neil, but it is quite clear that he is second-choice to Sadiki at the moment.”

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds