Sunderland injury latest: Habib Diarra, Dan Ballard, Granit Xhaka return dates ahead of Aston Villa clash

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has provided injury updates on Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Dan Ballard, and Romaine Mundle ahead of the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. Captain Xhaka suffered a calf injury during the warm-up before Sunderland's 1-0 win against Chelsea, forcing his substitution after only four minutes. The full severity of Xhaka's issue remains unknown, leaving his status uncertain.

Meanwhile, Diarra is expected to miss the Aston Villa clash and is targeting a mid-December return following a muscle injury. Ballard is also progressing from a hamstring problem and aims to resume training in mid-December, while Mundle continues rehabilitation from a knee issue with hopes of returning near the end of the year.