Omar Alderete’s head injury is nothing serious but has ruled him out of Sunderland’s clash with Arsenal and the international break.
That’s according to journalist Christian Martin, [speaking to Versus](https://x.com/SomosVsSports/status/1986468611456737464). He’s provided more details on the Sunderland star’s absence.
We covered comments [from Martin earlier today](https://sportwitness.co.uk/tests-decide-sunderland-star-out-of-arsenal-match-and-international-break/). He explained that Alderete had been ruled out for Sunderland ahead of facing Arsenal this weekend. He was also set to miss the international break with Paraguay.
Alderete has been absent since suffering a concussion in Sunderland’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He missed Monday’s draw with Everton because of that.
Martin has now provided more clarification on that matter, explaining it was a further test that has added to his time out. Crucially, he insists that the injury is “nothing serious”. It’s actually a case of Sunderland following protocols.
_“Omar Alderete will not be traveling with the national team for the FIFA international break, after the head injury he sustained, first in a match against Wolverhampton, then in training, due to the concussion protocol,”_ he said.
_“We understood that he had been cleared. But they did another test for the Everton match, and it came back negative; another 10 days of rest for Alderete.”_
The protocols Martin is referring to are a six-stage graduated return-to-play implemented by the Premier League following guidance from the FA. This starts with initial rest, which includes limited screen time.
Players can only return to light-exercise if tests clear them to do so. If tests are negative, as in the case with Alderete, then a 10-day timeframe is usually followed.
That’s the case with Alderete. He is now set to miss this weekend’s game and the international break as Sunderland play it safe.