Sunderland U21s won 7-1 in Europe with Dennis Cirkin, Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien in the side
Sunderland defender Omar Alderete is currently away on international duty with Paraguay
There is a “big question mark” over whether Sunderland defender Omar Alderete will actually be able to feature in either of Paraguay’s upcoming friendlies against the USA and Mexico this international break.
The centre-back has been sidelined since last month due to concussion protocols, and did not feature for Regis Le Bris’ side in any of their recent outings against Chelsea, Everton, or Arsenal. In his place, fellow summer signing Lutsharel Geertruida has deputised at the heart of defence, to great effect.
As a consequence of Alderete’s continued absence at club level, it was unclear as to whether or not he would travel for his country this fortnight, but a decision was ultimately taken to include him in head coach Gustavo Alfaro’s squad for a double-header of fixtures against North American opposition.
Paraguay will face the USA on Saturday, November 15th at 10pm GMT, and then come up against Mexico on Wednesday, November 19th at 1:30am GMT. It remains to be seen whether Alderete will be available to register minutes in either contest, however, with online outlet Versus suggesting that he is still a doubt at this stage.
What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about Omar Alderete’s recovery from concussion?
For his part, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris had suggested prior to the international break that he expected Alderete to be ready to play some part for Paraguay over the coming days.
In a press conference before the Black Cats’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend, the Frenchman said: “Yeah, he [Alderete] had to step back because of a residual symptom. So it's not really serious, but the concussion protocol is really strict and we followed it. So he won't be available this weekend. Probably he will be able to get some minutes with his national team progressively and get ready for Fulham. I think he's in a good place and to get fit again, it will be necessary to play. So I think it will be nice for him and for us [if he gets some minutes for Paraguay].”
What did Omar Alderete say about his decision to sign for Sunderland?
Speaking at the time of his arrival in England, Alderete himself said: “I’m feeling great about signing for this great team, so I’m really happy. I’m looking forward to my first experience in the Premier League – it’s a great challenge for me. I know it’s a historic club, and when they told me there was an opportunity, I was excited about coming here. It’s always important to have the support of the people, and I’m going to give it my all on the pitch.”
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Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman continued: “We are delighted to welcome Omar to Sunderland. He’s a player with extensive experience in European club football and at the international level. It was important for us to identify and add a left-sided centre back for the group, and ensure the profile was aligned to our game model. In Omar, we have an aggressive and athletic player who can move the ball efficiently in possession. He’s connected to our story and where we want to go, and naturally excited about the opportunity to play in the Premier League.”
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