Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed they will be without star striker Joao Pedro for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
Pedro injured his ankle in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest after he was clattered by Morgan Gibbs-White in the closing stages of a fiery clash.
“This tackle, of course, you can see it on television,” said Hurzeler speaking in his press conference ahead of Chelsea. “But you have to see it on the pitch – how hard it was, the dynamic of it. The TV can’t give you the right dynamic of what happens in real life. It was a hard tackle for me. Joao had some problems after the game.
“He still has some problems. You have to go week by week with him. But I don’t think that he will be an option for the weekend.”
Here’s Albion’s predicted XI without Joao Pedro:
1.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler will have to shuffle his pack for the trip to Chelsea Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. Bart Verbruggen – GK
The Dutch No 1 missed the first two matches with injury but has impressed since his return. He’s an upgrade on Rob Sanchez, who left for Chelsea for £25m. Photo: Paul Hazlewood
3. Joel Veltman – RB
The defender has been consistent this season looks set to keep his spot against Chelsea. Photo: Steve Bardens
4. Jan Paul van Hecke – CB
One of Brighton’s best players and will need to be on top form against Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Photo: Steve Bardens
5. Lewis Dunk – CB
The captain’s experience will be vital at Stamford Bridge. Photo: Paul Hazlewood
6. Ferdi Kadıoglu – LB
The £25m signing from Fenerbache could get the nod ahead of Pervis Estupinan. Photo: Paul Hazlewood
7. Carlos Baleba – CM
The midfielder has received plenty of praise this season and rightfully so. Will relish being up against Caicedo – the man he replaced at Brighton. Photo: Paul Hazlewood
8. Jack Hinshelwood – CM
Played well and scored against Forest from central midfield and should keep his spot, even if Yasin Ayari and Mats Wieffer are fit again.
9. Simon Adingra – RW
A very close call here but Adingra could get the nod ahead of Yankuba Minteh once again. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
10. Evan Ferguson – A
The Ireland international could make his first PL start ahead of Georginio Rutter in place of of the injured Joao Pedro. Photo: Paul Hazlewood
11. Kaoru Mitoma – LW
The Japan international looks back to best and will be key if Brighton are get anything from the Bridge. Photo: Paul Hazlewood
12. Danny Welbeck – A
The experienced front-runner is expected to lead the line at Chelsea. He has three goals already to his name this term.
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