The Premier League may have paused for the international break but Brighton’s medical department will be working overtime to get the injured players back on the pitch.
The Seagulls, who are sixth in the table with 12 points from their first seven matches, return to Premier League action on October 19 at Newcastle. It’s the start of a tricky run of fixtures for Fabian Hurzeler’s men as they then take on Wolves (h), followed by Liverpool (Carabao Cup, h), Liverpool (a) and Manchester City (h).
Key players Jan Paul van Hecke, Joao Pedro and James Milner have all been side-lined and hope to make progress during the international break.
Here’s Brighton's injury list in full and expected return dates...
5. Brajan Gruda
The £25m summer signing from Mainz made his debut as a late sub in the 3-2 win against Tottenham. The attacking midfielder should be fit and firing to face Newcastle Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Adam Webster
The defender hobbled off with a hamstring injury against Tottenham and will undergo a scan. Looks likely for a spell on the side lines and highly doubtful for Newcastle Photo: Paul Hazlewood
7. Joao Pedro
The Brazilian striker injured his ankle against Nottingham Forest and speaking ahead of the 3-2 win against Tottenham, Brighton boss Hurzeler said: "He's a great healer and that's why I'm very positive and I'm looking forward that he's back on the pitch as soon as possible, but I can't say if it takes like two weeks or three weeks or four weeks. I think, I hope, that it doesn't take that long.” Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Jan Paul van Hecke
The defender remains absent with a groin tear sustained against Nottingham Forest that can take around six weeks to heal. Photo: Steve Bardens