Omar Alderete a doubt for Paraguay after knee scare, scans ease major fears | OneFootball

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete is a major doubt for Paraguay’s meeting with Germany after suffering a knee scare at the World Cup.

According to Sunderland Echo, he hurt his knee in the 0-0 draw with Australia last week, a result that sealed Paraguay’s place in the last 32 after a heavy opening loss to the USA. Scans are said to have shown no significant damage, yet a muscle strain persists and the 29-year-old trained away from the main group before facing Germany.

Head coach Gustavo Alfaro said they would test him on matchday. He remains in pain despite the checks, and with little time to build fitness the decision will be left until the last minute.

The game kicks off at 9.30pm UK time and is live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

It has been a strong tournament for Sunderland’s contingent, with Wilson Isidor the only player out after the groups. He finished with a superb long-range strike in Haiti’s final game against Morocco.

Chemsdine Talbi’s Morocco face Netherlands, with Sunderland trio Brian Brobbey, Lutsharel Geertruida and Robin Roefs involved. Simon Adingra’s Ivory Coast play Norway, then Nilson Angulo’s Ecuador meet Mexico, the winner to face either England or DR Congo with Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku in action.

Habib Diarra is set to feature as Senegal face Belgium, before Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland meet Algeria.

Source: Sunderland Echo