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Sunderland are preparing for a highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, but they will be without one of their key defenders. Head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Omar Alderete remains sidelined and will not feature in Saturday’s clash with the league leaders.
Alderete, a summer signing from Getafe for around £10 million, has missed the club’s last two league fixtures—against Chelsea and Everton—as he continues to follow concussion recovery protocols. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Le Bris stressed that while the Paraguayan centre-back’s symptoms are not severe, the medical guidelines prevent any premature return to action.
> “He had to take a step back because of symptoms,” Le Bris said. “It’s nothing serious, but the concussion protocol is very strict. He won’t be involved this weekend. Hopefully, he can join up with his national team next week and build up his minutes there.”
The Sunderland boss also provided an update on Habib Diarra, who has been out since undergoing groin surgery in September. According to Le Bris, the young midfielder’s recovery is progressing well, and the medical team expects him to be available before the end of the year.
> “Habib is doing well,” Le Bris added. “We’re not rushing him because of the nature of the injury and his age, but everything is moving in the right direction.”
Despite the defensive setback, Sunderland’s spirits remain high. The Black Cats, currently fourth in the Premier League, are unbeaten at home and see this fixture as an opportunity to narrow the gap to the top. A win over Arsenal would move them to within four points of the summit heading into the international break.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is set for an emotional reunion with his former club. The Swiss midfielder, who left Arsenal in the summer of 2023, is fit and available to face his old teammates for the first time in a competitive match.
Xhaka recently opened his scoring account for Sunderland in Monday’s draw with Everton and admitted that the prospect of playing against his former manager Mikel Arteta and close friends at Arsenal will be a special moment.
> “We all know the quality Arsenal have,” Xhaka told Sky Sports. “It’ll be an emotional game for me. I spent seven wonderful years there and still keep in touch with many of the players and staff. To face them here in Sunderland is going to be something special. Hopefully, I can enjoy it and we’ll see who comes out on top.”
With Alderete ruled out and Xhaka eager to shine against familiar faces, Sunderland are aiming to extend their unbeaten home record and pull off a statement result against the league leaders.
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