'We can't' - Fabian Hurzeler issues Carlos Baleba update ahead of West Ham
Brighton and Hove Albion vs West Ham in the Premier League from the Amex Stadium - Sunday, 2pm
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler insists midfielder Carlos Baleba is on the right track after his performance in the 4-3 loss to Aston Villa last Wednesday.
Baleba, 21, has struggled this term and was dropped from the starting XI as Brighton beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last Sunday.
The Cameroon international - who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer - was recalled to the line-up to face Aston Villa and Hurzeler hopes it’s the start of an improvement for his key midfielder who was excellent last term.
"I was pleased overall with the performance from him,” said Hurzeler in his pre-West Ham press conference.
“I think he showed good reaction, although he wasn't able to play for 90 minutes, but there was a step forward, and I think we can't expect in these phases of his career big steps.
"We can't expect like magic performance like we might saw from him last season.
“It's about doing now the small steps forward, it's about doing the small steps right and then at one time it feels like a big step, but it's really like trying to keep pushing, trying to get like physically back on track, mentally back on track, and I saw a step forward definitely, and therefore I was pleased."
Hurzeler: Bowen and Paqueta are a real danger
The defeat to Villa saw Brighton slide to seventh in the table but Hurzeler expects a tough match against a struggling West Ham team who are third from bottom.
“Every team has quality and every team has individual quality especially West Ham with their attacking and midfield options. They can be a big danger.
“Bowen and [Lucas] Paqueta when he comes back, [Callum] Wilson. They all have the quality to score goals and create something from nothing.
“Teams from Nuno they are very strong and disciplined. They know how to defend and they know how to win.
“We have to keep pushing our limits and our standards again and understand that small margins will make the difference.
“No matter if that is a throw in or a set piece. these are all things that can change the game. We have to be aware of that and handle the game with the right mindset.”
For your next Albion read: Brighton vs West Ham team and injury news: Four out and four doubts