'Several weeks' – Fabian Hurzeler confirms another huge injury blow for Brighton

Brighton are set to be without experienced midfielder James Milner for a prolonged period.

Milner, 38, started Albion’s first two Premier League matches this term against Everton and Manchester United but injured his hamstring in the first half against Arsenal.

The former Liverpool man has not featured since and head coach Fabian Huzerler confirmed his recovery from the injury has suffered a setback.

"He had a small setback,” said Hurzeler speaking ahead of Brighton’s trip to Newcastle.

"It's not that positive as it was before the international break. We have to be patient. It's not a thing that will be solved in one or two weeks. It will take several weeks. We can't give a clear schedule when he will be back, but before the break we were more positive, I can be honest about that."

Brazilian striker Joao Pedro (ankle), defender Adam Webster (thigh) and midfielder Matt O’Riley (ankle) all remain side-lined but Simon Adingra (knock) and Jan Paul van Hecke (groin) are set to return.

Solly March (knee) continues his recovery following a 12 month absence and featured in another under-21s match this week but the winger unlikely to feature in the matchday squad at Newcastle.

Hurzeler said: “We need to give him a lot of time because being back after such a long injury, it’s not a comeback which will go in a linear way, it's more like a comeback with waves – there will be up and downs.

"You need to accept the up and downs, not only we as a staff or we as a coaching team, but also Solly as a player, he has to accept these up and downs because they are normal after a long injury. But he's doing quite good mentally and physically and he is in a good way. He has the right mindset. He's a positive guy and we have to be patient with him, but I'm sure we're on the right way.”

The German head coach will assess Julio Encisio and Pervis Estupinan who arrived back from international duty with Paraguay and Ecuador respectively.

"Hopefully everyone will come healthy back from their international games, we haven’t seen everyone yet. I don't know exactly about Julio [Enciso] and Pervis [Estupinan] – they are the latest arrivals. We will see them today and then we will know more.

The injuries for Matt [O’Riley] and Joao [Pedro] will take a little bit more time. With James Milner we have to be more patient. The rest of the squad will be available. Adam Webster is another player who will miss the game against Newcastle. Jan Paul van Hecke will be an option.”