Sunderland defender Omar Alderete will miss the trip to Chelsea due to concussion protocol rules introduced in 2014.
Sunderland will be without key defender Omar Alderete for their Premier League clash against Chelsea, according to FootballFanCast. The Paraguayan centre-back is sidelined by the league’s concussion protocols, which have ruled him out of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
The rule, introduced in the 2014–15 season, mandates a minimum 14-day return-to-play process after a diagnosed concussion. Alderete sustained the injury during last weekend’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris confirmed, “The only one [injury concern] is Omar – he is under concussion protocols. He is having daily assessments – we’ll keep monitoring him. We will see if he can make Everton.”
The setback comes as Sunderland seek back-to-back league wins, with the chance to break into the top four. Le Bris praised their upcoming opponents, saying, “Chelsea are really strong, it’s a top four team in the Premier League. They can play 60 games, they have depth, young and dynamic. It’s a good example for us.”
Alderete’s absence may open the door for Luke O’Nien to make his first Premier League appearance of the campaign as Sunderland aim to prove their early-season momentum can extend beyond Wearside.