Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler gave a squad update ahead of their festive fixture at Arsenal.
The Seagulls have been hindered by injuries and suspensions of late and are 10th in the Premier League after their stalemate against Sunderland at Amex Stadium last Saturday. Facing league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates is about as tough as it gets in world football at the moment and Hurzeler’s men need to deliver a much-improved display.
“The most important is to get the small margins right against Arsenal,” said the Albion boss. “To defend set pieces well, to be good in and out of possession. We have to stay alive for 90 minutes.
“But we can't go there with the mindset of thinking only about defending. We have to play with courage.”
Here’s the early team news for the Seagulls...
5. Carlos Baleba - out
Brighton will miss his powerful presence in midfield at the Emirates. The Cameroon international is on AFCON duty and the length of his absence depends on how far his country progress. Their final group match is against Mozambique on December 31. | Getty Images
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6. Jan Paul van Hecke - doubt
Hurzeler said: "Jan Paul van Hecke will train tomorrow (Wednesday), so he should be back." The defender missed the Sunderland draw due to illness. | Getty Images
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7. Mats Wieffer - doubt
Huirzeler said: "Mats Wieffer is okay. We go day-by-day and follow the procedure, but he looks quite well. I think that he will be available." The full back was withdrawn at halftime against Sunderland after a hefty blow to the face. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Danny Welbeck - doubt
Hurzeler said: Danny Welbeck will train today (Tuesday), so he'll be back." The 35-year-old is managing a lower back injury and missed last week's clash with Sunderland | Getty Images