Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirms when Carlos Baleba will leave this season after substitute role
Brighton and Hove Albion team news as Carlos Belaba prepares for AFCON
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler says he will be without their midfielder Carlos Baleba later this month.
The Cameroon international will represent his country at the AFCON, which runs from December 21 until January 18, 2026. Cameroon are in Group F and will take on Gabon, Ivory Coast and Mozambique. Their first match will be against Gabon on December 24 at the Adrar Stadium in Morocco.
Cameroon's final group match will be against Mozambique on December 31. His return to Brighton will depend on how Marc Brys' team progress in the AFCON.
Baleba will be available to play for Brighton for three more matches - Aston Villa at Amex on December 3, away at West Ham on December 7 and then at Liverpool on December 13.
He is certain to miss Brighton's matches against Sunderland, Arsenal and West Ham and most likely Burnley on January 3.
Baleba has struggled for top form
Baleba, 21, has struggled to find his top form for Brighton this season and has been substituted at halftime five times this term.
Hurzeler was keen to give the chance and the game time to play his way back into form but the midfield was dropped to bench for Brighton’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest last Sunday. He is expected to be on the bench once again tomorrow night as fifth placed Brighton welcome Aston Villa.
Last summer Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
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