Fabian Hurzeler explains shock Brajan Gruda exit and highlights two Brighton academy stars
Brighton vs Crystal Palace from the Amex Stadium this Sunday - 2pm
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler pointed to Brighton academy players as they look to cover the loss of Brajan Gruda.
Gruda, 22, made a surprise deadline day exit from Brighton as the Germany under-21 international joined RB Leipzig for the rest of the season.
It leaves Brighton a little short of attacking options from the flanks - especially as Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh have both had injury issues this term and Tommy Watson joined Millwall on loan.
Hurzeler though said it was a decision made in the interests of the player and the club and then pointed to Brighton’s academy players Harry Howell and Nehemiah Oriola - both wingers who can perhaps help fill the void.
“I think [the move] was driven by both [club and player],” said Hurzeler ahead Sunday’s clash with old rivals Crystal Palace.
“I always emphasise that the club has to decide what is best for the club and then havw an exchange with the player.
“Then also regarding the development from the player, what is best for the player, what is best for the future?
“I think we have enough options in the offensive part of the game. We have [Nehemiah] Oriola, we have Babis [Kostoulas], who didn't play a lot and who still has a lot of potential to start a game for us.
“Therefore, we have a lot of options. We still have Minteh, who is getting back more and more into his shape.
“It's always like to figure out what is best for the club, figure out what is best for him, which will demand a development from the player and then we try to make the right decisions and that was the ongoing process with Brajan as well.
“We wish him all the best for his loan at Leipzig and we try to focus now on the players we have here, try to give them more game time, try to develop them and try to get the best out of them.”
Asked specifically on Howell, Hurzeler said; “Yes an oppottunity. He is an option [for Sunday].”