Brighton have received an important injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal, with Fabian Hürzeler expecting Luka Vuskovic to be available despite picking up a knock against Manchester United.
The £50million summer signing from Tottenham has quickly become an important part of Brighton’s defence, starting all four Premier League matches as well as the Conference League play-off victory over Tromsø.
Vuskovic also completed 90 minutes as Brighton came from behind to beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, although he emerged from Old Trafford with a minor problem.
Vuskovic expected to recover for Arsenal
Hürzeler believes the 19-year-old should recover quickly enough to face the defending Premier League champions.
“He’s young. He will recover fast and then he definitely will be an option for tomorrow,” the Brighton boss said during Friday’s press conference.
There was further positive news regarding Jaouen Hadjam.
The left-back made his first Brighton start against United but required treatment before being helped off around 15 minutes from time. Despite the concerning scenes, Hürzeler confirmed Hadjam is also available for Saturday.
“He is able to play,” Hürzeler said.
Georginio Rutter, meanwhile, successfully returned against United and impressed Hürzeler after his spell on the sidelines.
“Rutter made his comeback against United. He looked good,” the German added.
Brighton still missing nine senior players
Although there are no new major injury concerns, Brighton continue to deal with a lengthy absentee list.
Stefanos Tzimas, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer, Femi Azeez, Michael Svoboda, Zadok Yohanna and Evan Ferguson remain unavailable.
That leaves Hürzeler without nine senior players for one of Brighton’s toughest fixtures of the season.
The Seagulls are also looking to end a difficult recent record against Arsenal, having lost their last three meetings with Mikel Arteta’s side.
Having Vuskovic and Hadjam available therefore provides a timely defensive boost as Brighton attempt to carry momentum from their dramatic Carabao Cup victory into Saturday’s Premier League encounter.
Key points
- Luka Vuskovic is expected to be available against Arsenal despite suffering a knock at Manchester United.
- Jaouen Hadjam is also fit after being forced off during his first Brighton start.
- Georginio Rutter successfully returned to action in the Carabao Cup victory.
- Brighton still have nine senior players unavailable through longer-term injuries.
- The Seagulls are attempting to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat against Arsenal.
What’s next?
Brighton host defending champions Arsenal at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, with Hürzeler hoping Wednesday’s comeback victory at Old Trafford can provide momentum.
Vuskovic’s expected availability is particularly important given Brighton’s extensive injury list and his ever-present role in their Premier League defence this season.
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