'He is back' - Massive injury boost for Brighton confirmed ahead of Newcastle

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed key defender Jan Paul van Hecke is available for Saturday’s clash at Newcastle United.

Van Hecke, 24, has missed the last two Premier League matches after sustaining a groin injury in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest. The Dutch international was expected to be out for six weeks but was pictured training this week and is raring to go for Saturday. “Jan Paul is back and will be an option,” confirmed Hurzeler at his press conference.

The German head coach also confirmed that fellow defender Adam Webster is out following his thigh injury that he picked up in the 3-2 win against Tottenham just prior to the international break.

Striker Joao Pedro is also ruled-out as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. James Milner remains side-lined following his hamstring injury picked up earlier this season in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Matt O’Riley remains an absentee following his ankle surgery.

Attacker Simon Adingra has recovered from his knock is an option for Hurzeler and Solly March looks unlikely to make the match day squad after a 12 month absence with a serious knee injury.

"We need to give Solly a lot of time,” said Hurzeler. “It is a comeback with waves and ups and downs. We have to accept that and Solly has to accept that. He has the right mind set. We have to patient.”