Sunderland should leave out Omar Alderete after injury update

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete should be dropped for their upcoming clash against Lech Poznan after his shocking performance last time out.

The Black Cats have the chance to continue their winning run in the Europa League as they go away to Polish opposition on Thursday night.

Regis Le Bris' side have struggled in the Premier League, on the flip side, and currently sit bottom of the top flight with just four points from seven games.

Sunderland were easily beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth last time out, with Le Bris' side failing to register a shot on target at the Vitality Stadium.

Alderete continued his shoddy start to the campaign with a woeful showing on the south coast alongside centre-back partner Kevin Danso.

He missed training on Wednesday and even though he is set to be fit to play, Le Bris should hand another defender the chance to impress in European competition.

Omar Alderete deserves time out of the Sunderland side regardless of injury

Alderete was an absolute rock at the back for Sunderland last season following his move from Getafe, making 34 appearances as they qualified for the UEL.

The 29-year-old's form has dropped off a cliff this season, and he ranks among the worst-performing Europa League centre-backs for duels won percentage (42.1), fouls committed per 90 (3.8) and defensive contributions per 90 (3.17).

His maiden PL start of the season against Bournemouth yielded similarly shocking results, as he failed to deal with a long pass from Lewis Cook in the fifth minute before Marcus Tavernier eventually tapped home from Evanilson's cross.

The Paraguayan international completed just 55 per cent (12/22) of his passes on the south coast, made zero tackles, lost his one attempted ground duel and was booked on a dreadful personal afternoon.

He is set to be fit against Poznan on Thursday despite missing training with a knock, but it feels like the right time to take him out of the firing line regardless, after such a terrible showing.

What is the latest on Sunderland's other injured players?

Le Bris needs key striker Brian Brobbey back fit as he fights for his job at Sunderland, but he confirmed on Wednesday that the Dutchman remains sidelined for the trip to Poland.

Brobbey has been training with his teammates, but they are not keen to rush him back as he sets his sights on a return to action against Leeds at the weekend.

Fellow frontman Wilson Isidor and experienced full-back also remain out but are likely to return to action within the next two weeks.