ISAAC LIHADJI is no longer training at Sunderland’s Academy of Light, and will therefore not be involved in Sunday’s Championship season-opener with Ipswich Town.

Tony Mowbray confirmed on Tuesday evening that the French midfielder had not been included in the squad that lost at Hartlepool United because he was in talks over a potential move away from Wearside.

Those discussions involve Qatari side Al-Duhail, and Lihadji is understood to have travelled to the Middle East to tie up a transfer.

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An agreement over a permanent switch is believed to be close, meaning Lihadji has not figured in Mowbray’s thinking for Sunday’s opening fixture.

The Black Cats boss said: “Lihadji is not here. He’s not here, and he won’t be involved at the weekend.”

Luke O’Nien was not in the squad at Hartlepool because of a family issue, but is available for Sunday’s game and is set to partner Dan Ballard at centre-half.