Key Brighton midfielder a big doubt for Burnley clash with problematic ankle injury

Solly March has been one of Albion's better players this season and has adapted well to his left wing back role.

March hobbled off with an ankle problem during the 2-1 loss at Tottenham last Sunday on 66 minutes and was replaced by Bernardo.

The 25-year-old has featured in all seven of Brighton Premier League matches so far this campaign and scored once during their painful 3-2 loss against Manchester United last September.

Albion head coach confirmed he rolled his ankle in the second half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is keen to give March the maximum amount of time to prove his fitness ahead of Burnley.

“Solly March, we’ll have to wait closer to the game to see if it is possible for him," said Potter.

Neal Maupay, who has scored four goals this season, will be back in the squad for Friday’s home clash with Burnley after being dropped at Spurs for disciplinary issues.

Potter said: “He has been training with the group. He’s available for selection.”

Striker Alireza Jahanbakhsh is hoping to return after a hamstring injury while Davy Propper is also in contention as he continues his recovery from an Achilles issue.

Potter said: “Alireza has trained. That is good for us. We’ll see how he reacts in the next couple of days. We still have a couple more days."

Potter also has a big decision to make in the goalkeeping department. Robert Sanchez impressed on debut at Spurs after regular No 1 was dropped for the first time since his move to Brighton in 2017.

Potter said Ryan has responded well to the setback and is working hard to force his way back into the first team.

"He’s responded really well," said Potter. "He’s a professional he wants to play. He’s disappointed when he doesn’t.

"I’ve got 26 or 27 or 28 other players who have the same thoughts. We have to think about Mat but it’s good for Rob.

"It’s good for our academy. It’s good for how we see the football club developing medium to long term that a player makes his Premier League debut from our academy which is something to be proud of. It’s always the case.

"There’s competition for places, there’s decisions to be made, you try to make them with the best intentions and then you’re looking for everyone to react as positively as you can.

"I must say the group we have here: the professionalism, the togetherness is really, really strong and then everyone just gets on with it and tries to make my job difficult by playing really well."

Brighton have just five points to show from their first seven matches and the Albion boss admits he is keen to improve that tally for the club, the fans...and perhaps most importantly, Mrs Potter.

"Believe you me I want to win," said Potter. "My wife and kids want me to win because they can see that their dad and their husband isn't much company for them at the moment.

"I'm sure it is the same with our supporters and everyone involved at the club.

"At the same time some have to appreciate the performances that we have been putting in, so it is not all doom and gloom but it would be nice for us to have some more points.

"We need to work hard to get these and always respect the fact we are in the Premier League.

"We are fortunate to be where we are and you can look at it in a negative way or you can look at it as a fantastic opportunity to develop your character, your resilience and develop your game, club and team. That is what we are here for."