28yo Sunderland star to miss Arsenal clash, 5.5 clearances/game this season
Arsenal take on Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.
Ahead of the game, the Black Cats will be without one of their influential defenders.
Omar Alderete has been sidelined for the last two league matches due to concussion protocols.
He was expected to return against the Gunners, but has failed to pass the necessary tests, according to Paraguayan outlet Versus.
The 28-year-old tested negative after going through a six-stage return-to-play process.
He will therefore be sidelined against Arsenal as well as Paraguay’s friendlies against the United States and Mexico later this month.
The news is a potential boost for the Gunners, considering Alderete has played a big part for the Black Cats since his summer arrival.
The left-footed centre-back has made eight league appearances, helping the club keep four clean sheets.
The former Getafe man has also chipped in with two goal contributions, including the winner against Nottingham Forest on the road.
Defensively, Alderete has won 55 percent of his duels with 5.5 clearances, three recoveries and almost two tackles per league appearance.
In Alderete’s recent absence, Black Cats manager Régis Le Bris has gone with a back five out of possession against Chelsea and Everton.
We should see something similar when the Gunners make the trip to Wearside on Saturday.
Arsenal are accustomed to playing against a low defensive block, but will need to be wary of the Black Cats’ rapid counter-attacks.
The Gunners will be eyeing an 11th-straight victory in all competitions, a feat previously achieved under manager Unai Emery in 2018
A ninth consecutive clean sheet would set a new record for the London giants.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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