Sunderland sign Shams Al-Talabi to their European squad

Moroccan international Shamseddine Talbi has received a new opportunity to participate in the UEFA Europa League after Sunderland announced his addition to their continental squad to replace teammate Habib Diarra, who will be sidelined due to injury.

Sunderland's head coach, Regi Le Bris, confirmed that Talbi is eligible to participate in the match against GNK Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, after missing the team's first three European matches due to not being included in the squad list approved by the club at the start of their campaign in the competition.

The French coach explained that initial tests indicate that Habib Diarra will need a period of absence of up to six weeks, expressing his sadness over the injury sustained by the player. However, he also pointed out that this development allows the team to utilize the services of Talbi, given the restrictions imposed on the rosters of clubs participating in European competitions.

The addition of the Moroccan international is based on Article 31.14 of UEFA regulations, which allows clubs to make changes to their European lists to replace a player who has suffered a long-term injury requiring an absence of at least 60 days, provided that the necessary documents and medical reports are submitted.

Talabi was out of Sunderland's plans for the first three matches in the UEFA Europa League, during which the team collected seven points against AZ Alkmaar, Torinense, and Lech Poznań, before making a strong return recently.

The Moroccan player caught attention during the match against Brentford in the EFL Cup, scoring the opening goal for his team, in a game that ended with Sunderland's victory and secured their place in the Quarter-Final.