Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has numerous injury issues ahead of their return to Premier League action against Ipswich Town at the Amex Stadium tomorrow.
The Seagulls have started the season well with seven points from their first three matches, following wins against Everton and Manchester United, plus a draw at Arsenal just prior to the international break.
Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted Ipswich Town team will pose another new challenge for Hurzeler but first he must assess who is fit and who needs more time on the sidelines. One player who has been ruled out to face Ipswich is midfielder James Milner, who tweaked his hamstring in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
“James had a scan,” said the German head coach. “It’s not a big issue. If it will be like two weeks, three weeks or only one week. We have to be patient, we have to go day-by-day.”
Here’s a full list of Albion injuries and fitness doubts ahead of Saturday’s 3pm kick-off...
5. James Milner - out
Hurzeler on Milner: James had a scan. It’s not a big issue, but with him we have to go day-by-day. It’s an issue where you can't approximate if it will be like two weeks, three weeks or only one week." Photo: Ryan Pierse
6. Ferdi Kadioglu - doubt
Asked if Kadioglu could make his debut against Ipswich following a thigh injury, Hurzeler said: "It might be a possibility. Yes." Photo: Mike Hewitt
7. Matt O'Riley - out
Hurzeler on O'Riley: "He's in very good spirits. He has a great character, great attitude. So immediately after surgery, he's very, very positive. He's here around us in the training ground. He's doing his rehab already and I think he will be coming back quite fast." Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Mats Wieffer - doubt
Hurzeler on Wieffer: "He's training today with the team and then we have to make a decision together with the medical department. We don't need to take any risk and we won't to take any high risks. But in the end, we have to decide what is good for the player, what is good for the team and it's always a decision that we will make together." Photo: Carl Recine