Sunderland handed major boost ahead of Wolves clash after image emerges from the Academy of Light
Sunderland look to boost their survival hopes as they take on Wolves at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris’ side are ninth in the league following an impressive start to the season, with wins over Brentford and West Ham highlighting their strengths at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are expected to beat 20th-placed Wolves, as they look to continue their unbeaten home start in the Premier League.
Much of the talk pre-match surrounded which players will be fit for the match, and an image has been released that hints one star could be available.
Omar Alderete spotted in Sunderland training session
Omar Alderete was a doubt for Saturday’s match against Wolves after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty.
In Thursday’s press conference, Le Bris was unsure of Alderete’s condition for Saturday’s clash with Wolves, and that he would be assessed just before the match.
The image below shows Alderete on the left of the screen, as he’s pictured in first-team training.
Alderete has been incredible for Sunderland since arriving from Getafe in the summer, and fans will be delighted that he has a chance of being involved in the squad.
Alderete has adapted to Premier League football brilliantly, showcasing his aerial prowess and brave style of defending.
His goal against Nottingham Forest on 27 September meant he became the first Paraguayan to score for Sunderland, and his presence in the team offers a defensive resilience that has shone through in the team’s performances.
Whether he starts or is named on the bench is unclear as of now, yet if he regains his starting position, this would mean another Dan Ballard would likely be named as a substitute yet again.
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Dan Ballard set to be named on the bench if Omar Alderete starts
Ballard has made the most clearances and blocks per 90 in the Premier League this season.
After scoring the goal that got Sunderland to Wembley last season, he is a cult-hero amongst fans, yet Alderete and Nordi Mukiele continue to be favoured ahead of him.
One option for Le Bris to implement would be to move Mukiele to right-back, leaving Ballard alongside Alderete in the centre of the defence.
However, with Trai Hume starting every Premier League match, it seems unlikely that Le Bris will completely change his backline ahead of such a crucial match.
This means that Ballard now looks almost destined not to appear from the start as Alderete looks set to reprise his starting role.
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