Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio does not expect new signing Modibo Diakite to be on the sidelines for a lengthy period of time.
The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring strain on the fourth day of pre-season training at the Academy of Light that put him out of action for eight days.
Despite recently recovering from the injury, Di Canio has decided against taking the defender to the Far East for the Asia Trophy.
"He's got a little injury because after four days at the Academy of Light, we had a match and you could see everyone wanted to push to give their best," Di Canio told the Sunderland Echo.
"He made two or three very hard tackles and he hurt his hamstring and was out for eight days.
"We decided not to bring him to Hong Kong because it's better if he stays at the Academy of Light morning and afternoon with the physio and fitness coach."
Diakite is yet to compete in any pre-season games for Sunderland.
Danielle Joynson
