Sunderland defender Omar Alderete is currently away on international duty with Paraguay

Paraguay boss Gustavo Alfaro has provided an update on the condition of Sunderland defender Omar Alderete heading into Saturday night’s international friendly against the USA.

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.

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 Alfaro’s squad for a double-header of fixtures that also includes a meeting with Mexico next week.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Alderete’s fitness levels, however, Paraguayan outlet Versus shared a report on Friday suggesting there was a “big question mark” over whether the 28-year-old would be available for either fixture over the coming days.

But in a fresh update, Alfaro has revealed that he has been in contact with Sunderland, who have asked for the defender to be eased back into action by his national team. As quoted by journalist Bruno Pont, the head coach said: "Sunderland requested that Omar not play more than 30 minutes in the first match and 60 in the second". As such, it is likely that Alderete will start on the bench against the USA on Saturday, before returning to the first XI for the upcoming clash with Mexico.

What has Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris said about Omar Alderete’s recovery from concussion?

For his part, Sunderland boss 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].”

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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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