'Not available' – Another injury blow as key Brighton man ruled out for Crystal Place clash
Crystal Palace vs Brighton: Premier League team news
Brighton will once again be without key defender Joel Veltman for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Veltman has missed the last seven fixtures with foot injury and was hoping to be fit in time for the crunch clash at Selhurst Park.
The experienced Dutch defender last featured in the 3-0 win against Chelsea on February 14 but has been out of action since.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed this Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park will be too soon for the 33-year-old. “Joel Veltman won't be in the squad,” confirmed the German, ”But besides that it will be the same like the last game.”
It’s a problem for the head coach as Albion’s only other recognised right back, Tariq Lamptey, continues to struggle with own foot injury and midfielder Jack Hinshewood is expected to fill in on the right side of the defence once more.
On the opposite flank, left back Pervis Estupinan is available despite his heavy workload of late. The Ecuadorian featured in the both of his country’s World Cup qualifiers during the international break, played 120 minutes in the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Nottingham Forest and then played 90 minutes against Villa.
“It's impressive, he's like a warrior," said Hurzeler. “You can't stop him – only a muscle injury can stop him – so hopefully he takes care of his body.
"But overall we are really happy with him. He shows his skills, he shows why we all love him and it's because of his intensity, it's because of his resilience.
"We can really rely on him, and that's very important for us as a team, so hopefully he carries on like this.”
Hurzeler also confirmed that Lewis Dunk is fit to play against Palace, despite being substituted in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium. Dunk made his first start against Villa after a six-match absence with rib injury.
Solly March, an unused substitute against Aston Villa is also available to face Palace.
For your next Albion read: 'Not easy' – Fabian Hurzeler confirms 'unlucky' Brighton star can adapt after 'punishing' debut