Fabian Hurzeler admits the international break arrived at the right time for Brighton as early season injuries start to bite.
The Seagulls have enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign with seven points from three matches, with wins against Everton and Manchester United, followed by last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
The points tally is even more impressive as the squad have been hit with a number of injuries – especially in the key midfield area. The Premier League will now pause for the international break and Brighton will resume action on September 14 against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at the Amex Stadium.
Here’s the full list of Brighton’s walking wound and possible return dates…
1.
James Milner of Brighton & Hove Albion sustained a hamstring injury at Arsenal Photo: Jan Kruger
2. James Milner – hamstring
The 38-year-old was forced off on 16 minutes during the 1-1 draw at Arsenal with a hamstring issue. James Milner: “We have to do a scan to see what it will be,” Hurzeler said. “I don’t think it’s so bad. A little bit on the hamstrings.” Possible return date: September 14 vs Ipswich. Photo: Ryan Pierse
3. Ferdi Kadıoğlu – thigh
The Turkey international back tweaked his hamstring in training last week just after his £25m arrival. “Small issue with his hamstring,” Hurzeler said. “Not that big. Use the international break to get him back in the squad as soon as possible.” Photo: Mike Hewitt
4. Matt O’Riley – ankle
The £25m signing from Celtic was clattered just six minutes into his Brighton debut against Crawley Town during the Carabao Cup clash with Crawley at the Amex Stadium last week. The midfielder will have surgery on his ankle and could be out until the new year. Photo: Mike Hewitt
5. Mats Wieffer
The £25m looked pretty good on debut at Everton but picked up a ‘small issue’ and missed the next two matches against Man United and Arsenal. The Dutch international will hope to be back after the international break Photo: Jan Kruger
6. Evan Ferguson – ankle
The striker keeps seeing his return put back. The Ireland international is yet to feature this season and will hope to be available for selection against Ipswich Town after the international break. He’s currently training with the Ireland national team. Photo: Mike Hewitt
7. Brajan Gruda
The £25m summer signing is yet to play following his arrival from Mainz due to an unspecified injury. Hurzeler said “he was close” and could be available after the international break. Photo: TOBIAS SCHWARZ
8. Joel Veltman
The Declan Rice tormentor tweaked a hamstring during the 1-1 draw at Arsenal and will be assessed throughout the international break. Unclear at this stage if he’ll be fit to face Ipswich
9. Tariq Lamptey
The flying full back picked up a niggling injury in Japan. He featured against Crawley and made the matchday squad for the Arsenal match. Hurzeler will hope to have him fully fit after the break – especially as Veltman’s hamstring is a concern.
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