Brighton v Newcastle United: Major Injury Blow Confirmed as Fabian Hurzeler Provides Key Team Updates
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed a significant setback ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United, revealing that Brajan Gruda will miss the game due to injury.
Gruda, who had been called up to Germany’s Under-21 squad, was forced to withdraw before the international break after sustaining a knee issue in the Seagulls’ last league match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A statement from the German Football Association (DFB) said:
“The Brighton and Hove Albion attacking player is unavailable for selection for the upcoming international matches due to persistent knee problems resulting from the last Premier League match against Wolverhampton.”
Having featured in all seven of Brighton’s league fixtures this season — and starting two of the last three — Gruda’s absence will be felt. Hurzeler confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the 20-year-old has not yet recovered:
“Unfortunately, players don’t always come back from international duty the way we send them,” said Hurzeler. “A lot of them return with small issues, but we’ve tried to manage that this week. Brajan Gruda won’t be available tomorrow.”
Injury Concerns Mount for Brighton
Brighton also face fitness doubts over Diego Gomez, who picked up a thigh contusion while on international duty with Paraguay. The midfielder, who netted four goals in the 6-0 EFL Cup win over Barnsley last month, was forced off in discomfort earlier this week.
Hurzeler has not ruled him out completely but admitted a late fitness test will determine his availability:
“The other players, including Diego Gomez, we will have to assess today. There’s a good chance they’ll be available, but we’ll make that decision before the game.”
Meanwhile, Kaoru Mitoma and Joel Veltman also remain doubts. Veltman is recovering from a calf issue, while Mitoma continues treatment for an injury sustained during the win over Chelsea. The Japanese international missed the draw with Wolves and did not travel with his national team during the break.
Hurzeler added:
“Kaoru Mitoma and Joel Veltman are back in training, but we still need to assess them. There’s a question mark over both players.”
Newcastle Team News
For Newcastle, Lewis Hall will remain sidelined due to a hamstring injury, though Eddie Howe confirmed the defender could return before the November international break.
On a brighter note, Jacob Ramsey is set to make his first appearance since August, while Joelinton is being monitored after picking up a minor knock on international duty. Will Osula is also managing an ankle issue ahead of the weekend fixture.
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