Significant injury update for Brighton defender ahead of Newcastle

Albion head coach Graham Potter could receive some welcome injury news ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle at the Amex Stadium on Saturday night
Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Graham PotterBrighton and Hove Albion head coach Graham Potter
Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Graham Potter

Albion are already without the defensive talents of Adam Webster (ankle), while wing backs Solly March (knee) and Tariq Lamptey (hamstring) remained sidelined for the season.

Dan Burn then pulled up with a tight hamstring during the 2-1 win at Southampton last weekend and was replaced at halftime by Andi Zeqiri.

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Striker Zeqiri performed well as a makeshift left wing back but the experience and defensive know how of Burn could be vital in a relegation battle against Newcastle.

"He’s responded well," said Potter. "He will train tomorrow, he could be available for the weekend which is good news for us. Apart from that, there’s no fresh problems."

Potter will also decide on Friday whether to recall the forward Aaron Connolly for Saturday evening’s showdown.

Connolly has been disciplined by the club for a breach of coronavirus restrictions.

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The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international reportedly invited a woman into a house in which he had been staying.

Seagulls manager Graham Potter said: “It’s something we have dealt with internally, the club is dealing with it.

“Clearly a mistake has been made. Our position is quite clear. The players know their responsibilities, they know what they should or shouldn’t be doing.

“Aaron’s made a mistake, we’ve dealt with that and we have to move on. He’s a human being. These things happen.

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“Clearly it’s not something we’re happy about, but it’s been dealt with.”

Connolly has missed Brighton’s last two matches due to a cracked rib, but he has resumed training.

“We’ve got a few to make a decision on. I need to have a think about that,” added Potter.

“He’s trained, he’s available, and I’ll have to make a call.”

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Potter played down the significance of the visit of Newcastle despite knowing a win would lift Brighton four points above the Magpies in the relegation battle.

“All the games in the Premier League are huge, that’s how I think about them,” he said.

“When you are in the situation we’re in the next game is always the most important.

“You look at where the two teams are that adds some extra importance. But it’s one of 10 games. There’s a lot of football to be played afterwards.

“It’s two teams fighting for the points and two teams who know they are capable of winning.”