Brighton rocked by three-man injury crisis before Newcastle United clash as £75m trio ruled out
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed five players will miss the Newcastle United trip this weekend.
The big omission is Joao Pedro, who picked up an ankle injury before the international break following a tackle from Morgan Gibbs-White. Toon fans will remember the Brazilian as a former transfer target in 2022.
While the deal broke down, this paved the way for Newcastle to shatter their transfer record on Alexander Isak. He is unlikely to be fit until next month - ruling him out for the St James’ Park clash.
Seagulls boss also revealed Matt O’Riley and Adam Webster will miss the 700-mile-round journey. However, talented defender Jan Paul van Hecke has returned to training and could partner Lewis Dunk in defence. Watch on Shots! Geordie Journos reflect on Newcastle United takeover - three years on
“Still waiting for players to return from international duty, Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso, but no known issues currently,” Hurzeler said at his press conference. “Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Reilly are longer-term, but JP van Hecke comes back into contention.”
As for Newcastle, they are set for a welcome boost, with Callum Wilson and Isak both expected to be fit. The former has not kicked a ball all season after battling a back problem.
Conversely, Isak battled through the pain barrier with a suspected broken toe before the international break. Anthony Gordon led the line in their absence but the pair are thought to have returned to give Eddie Howe a positive selection headache.
Kieran Trippier, however, is out. The Toon veteran picked up a hamstring injury against Everton and NewcastleWorld revealed last week he will miss the Brighton game - paving the way for Tino Livramento to reclaim his place.