Brighton will be missing a string of players for their Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal on Wednesday as Fabian Hurzeler delivers an injury update.
The Seagulls land in north London this week hoping to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and to bounce back after Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.
However, they face a team in brilliant form, with the Gunners sitting top of the Premier League table and boasting a perfect record in the Champions League so far.
Hurzeler’s team were a thorn in Arsenal’s side last season, with both league games finishing 1-1, while they knocked the Gunners out of the Carabao Cup in the 2022/23 season.
However, their chances of repeating that feat have not been helped this week by a number of injury issues in the German’s squad.
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Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Hurzeler confirmed that James Milner, Kaoru Mitoma and Brajan Gruda remain out.
On the injury to veteran midfielder Mitoma, Hurzeler said: ‘James suffered a small muscle issue, so he won’t be available.
‘It might be two or three matches. It’s not a big one. He is a good healer. He will come back as quick as possible.’
Japan international Mitoma has not played since picking up an injury on September 27 against Chelsea and is still out.
The ankle problem was described as ‘small’ and ‘nothing serious,’ but he has now missed a month of action.
‘Kaoru Mitoma is helpful for us in every game, because he has special qualities, always dangerous for opponents,’ Hurzeler said before the trip to Old Trafford on Saturday. ‘If he is not available I am sure we will find solutions, but he is a game changer for us.’
Teenage talent Harry Howell has played in the Carabao Cup this season but is now struggling with a back problem which has ruled him out.
‘Harry had a small issue with his back, so we have to be patient with him because he came from a different environment,’ said Hurzeler. ‘He came from a different intensity to the first team environment with different demands.
‘And I think, especially for young bodies, it’s very important to be careful with the adaptation. So, in some moments, it’s important to take a step back to make in the future two steps forwards. We don’t have to force it.’
Joel Veltman was described by Hurzeler as ‘getting closer’ to a return, but The Athletic report the defender will not be involved on Wednesday due to a calf problem.
Longer term absentees Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood and Adam Webster all remain sidelined.