Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Brajan Gruda has been ruled out of Germany U21’s October fixtures after suffering a knee problem in the Premier League. The 21-year-old, who has been a regular under Antonio Di Salvo, has now left the national team training camp in Leipzig.
Gruda has been one of Brighton’s most consistent performers this season, registering two goals and two assists from eight matches since Fabian Hürzeler made him a central part of his attack. However, during the Seagulls’ 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, he was substituted in the 70th minute and subsequently diagnosed with persistent knee pain.
The German Football Association confirmed the setback on Monday, stating Gruda had been “forced to leave” the squad early due to the issue. No replacement will be called up, leaving Di Salvo with a reduced attacking group for this international break.
DFB confirm Gruda injury setback
In a statement released via their official channels, the DFB explained:
“Brajan Gruda has been forced to leave the U21 training camp in Leipzig early due to injury. The Brighton & 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.” — DFB statement
The update raises fresh concerns for Brighton, who face Newcastle United on 18 October after the international break. With the Magpies climbing the table, Hürzeler will be desperate to have Gruda fit for the Amex clash.
Gruda’s Brighton impact so far
Since arriving from Mainz in August 2024 on a deal running until 2028, Gruda has adapted quickly to English football. His blend of creativity and direct running has made him a valuable part of Brighton’s evolving attack.
| Stat (2025/26) | Brajan Gruda |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
source: Brighton match data – 6 October 2025
These numbers underline his importance: he has already been directly involved in four goals, underlining his attacking influence in Hürzeler’s system.
Analyst verdict: Brighton face anxious wait
FootballPlace analyst John William says the timing is far from ideal:
“Gruda has quickly become integral to Brighton’s midfield-attack balance. Losing him for Germany is frustrating, but the bigger concern is Newcastle after the break. If he isn’t fit, Hürzeler will need to reshuffle his front line – and Brighton can ill afford to lose creativity in their current form.”
Key insights
- Brajan Gruda withdrawn from Germany U21 duty due to knee problem.
- Sustained injury during Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Wolves.
- Two goals and two assists in eight Premier League matches this season.
- Brighton face Newcastle on 18 October – his fitness remains uncertain.
- Signed from Mainz in August 2024, contract until 2028.
What’s next for Brighton and Gruda?
Brighton medical staff will continue to monitor Gruda closely, with the international break giving him valuable recovery time. The hope is that rest and treatment will allow him to return for the Newcastle clash, though his availability remains in doubt.
If Gruda is absent, Stefanos Tzimas – who replaced him against Wolves – could be given a more prominent role. Either way, Brighton’s supporters will be watching anxiously to see if their young German creator can shake off his knee issues quickly.
👉 Should Brighton risk Brajan Gruda against Newcastle, or give him more recovery time?
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