Diego Gomez absence explained for Brighton vs Everton
Brighton and Hove Albion will be without one of their regular starters as they look to get back to winning ways against Everton.
Diego Gomez is not in the matchday squad to face the Toffees on Saturday (January 31), as he suffered a ‘small issue’ in training this week.
The 22-year-old former Inter Miami man was subject to a late fitness test but the decision was made to give him extra time to rest.
The Paraguayan has been a regular for the Seagulls this term and can play in a variety of positions across the midfield, and even the No 10 role.
Gomez has scored three goals in 21 games in the Premier League this term.
Fabian Hurzeler said in his pre-match press conference that Gomez was the ‘only concern’ and otherwise Brighton had the ‘same squad available’.
However, Jack Hinshelwood is a surprise absentee. Hurzeler is expected to provide an explanation post-match.
Carlos Baleba, who impressed at Fulham last weekend but was unable to complete the 90 minutes – is in the the midfield alongside transfer-linked Yasin Ayari and January signing Pascal Gross.
Yankuna Minteh and Brajan Gruda, who have been recovering from a dead leg and ‘small issue’ respectively’, are only fit enough for the bench.
Also among the substitutes is Igor Julio. The Brazilian defender has returned from his loan spell at West Ham.
Diego Coppola and Tommy Watson are both not in the squad. Derby and Millwall are said to be keen on former Sunderland man Watson – whilst Italian international Coppola has moved on loan to Paris FC.
Head coach Hurzeler said: “We're really pleased with how Diego has settled in and adapted to the demands of playing in England since coming to the club last summer.
"His attitude has been outstanding, and he now has an opportunity to be playing regularly in France before we welcome him back in the summer.
"By getting more game time this will benefit his development, and give him the best possible chance of helping Italy reach the World Cup finals and be part of that."
Mats Wieffer is still out with a toe injury, whilst Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster remain long-term absentees. Solly March, meanwhile, is said to be making good progress in training after persistent knee issues but Everton arrived too soon.
Brighton will hope to kick-start their season against David Moyes’ side. The Seagulls have slipped to 12th in the Premier League after last Saturday's painful 2-1 loss at Fulham.
The team and manager Fabian Hurzeler have been under-fire from sections of the fanbase this week and a positive performance and result against the 10th placed Toffees is required if Brighton want to push for Europe.
Hurzeler said: "We tried to channel the frustration into training in the week and I saw a really good reaction from them which is positive.
"We see that we are close but we just have to manage key situations of games better. We can't promise a win but we can promise full commitment and effort."
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Rutter, Baleba, Welbeck, Mitoma, Kadioglu, Ayari, De Cuyper, Gross.
Subs: Steele, Julio, Gruda, Minteh, Milner, Kostoulas, Boscagli, Veltman, Howell.
Everton XI: Pickford, Keane, Tarkowski, Ndiaye, Barry, O'Brien, Dewsbury-Hall, Gueye, Branthwaite, Garner, Armstrong.
Subs: Travers, Patterson, McNeil, Beto, Dibling, Coleman, Alcaraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam.