Sunderland put three Premier League points on the board with an important win over Fulham

Régis Le Bris says he is hopeful that Habib Diarra has avoided a serious injury after the midfielder was forced off in the latter stages of the 1-0 win over Fulham.

Diarra was only brought on after the hour mark and made a major impact on the game, assisting Wilson Isidor for the winning goal. However, he was forced off with an apparent muscle issue in the minutes that followed.

Le Bris says he was pleased with the impact of Diarra and fellow substitute Isidor, as Sunderland came through an at times difficult game with a vital result.

"Fulham are a really good team, well organised, really good on the ball," Le Bris said.

"Talented players, they run a lot, they are intense. We expected a tough game, that was the case. With different balance in the game, we had good control in the first half. We didn't create probably enough to score, but we were well balanced to manage transition, which was a key point after Ipwich. In the second half, it was a bit different. I think we started well, we had the opportunity to score early.

"It wasn't a big chance, but we were high on the pitch. After that, the game was a bit more open, and we decided to have new energy and I think our subs did really well.

"Habib is so intense; so intense," Le Bris added.

"As well as Wilson, they changed our press so it was tactically the same, but with 20-30% more energy. His injury doesn't look too serious at the minute, but we'll see."

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Le Bris on Nordi Mukiele’s crucial Sunderland return

Le Bris also hailed Nordi Mukiele for his excellent return to the starting XI, with the defender having a big impact at the heart of defence and setting Diarra away for the winner with a fine pass.

"I think he was excellent today, and he had a really good pre-season," Le Bris said.

"I was really impressed and I told him this. Unfortunately, he got this late injury at the end of the US tour. He had to wait to build again the foundation to be good for the season, and he showed today that he's a great player. Great energy, well-connected with the squad: Impressive."

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