Fabian Hurzeler has provided an update on several Brighton players ahead of Newcastle United’s visit to the American Express Stadium.
The Magpies are looking to avenge their two losses to the Seagulls this season, but they must do something incredibly rare.
Newcastle United have not beaten Brighton on the road since 2017, when Mohamed Diame scored a bizarre goal to secure the three points on the road. However, Rafa Benitez, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe have all had a torrid time at the AMEX.
As it stands, Newcastle have not won any of their last seven games against Brighton on the road, with just four points being picked up in those games.
Newcastle are aiming for Champions League qualification, so a trip to Brighton has come at the worst time, given their record.
Yankuba Minteh will be in contention to play for Brighton on Sunday. The winger scored against Newcastle in the FA Cup but gave a muted celebration as a sign of respect to his former club.
With an important game on the horizon, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has provided the latest injury news.
- READ MORE – What Eddie Howe has noticed about Anthony Gordon in training this week ahead of Brighton
Fabian Hurzeler confirms Brighton injury news ahead of Newcastle United clash
For Brighton, they are looking to finish in the top eight, which is likely to be enough for European football next season. However, recent form has dwindled, with the Seagulls picking up just one win in their last six Premier League games.
Their most recent game was that one win, with Carlos Baleba finding the back of the net late on to secure a 3-2 win against West Ham United last week.
Speaking the press ahead of the Newcastle game, Hurzeler confirmed that two Brighton players, Adam Webster and Jan Paul van Hecke, should be available on Sunday.
On Webster, Hurzeler said: “Adam joined [us in training] yesterday, so he will also be an option – maybe to be in the squad. Everything is looking a little bit more positive.”
Talking about van Hecke’s fitness, Hurzeler told the press: “He’s ready to start. He trained yesterday, and after the training, he immediately came to me and said he wants to play.”
Elsewhere, the likes of former Newcastle player James Milner, Jason Steele, Georginio Rutter and Ferdi Kadioglu will not be available for the game due to injury.
Newcastle United fans have problems with one returning Brighton player
The FA Cup tie between Newcastle and Brighton was a feisty one for many reasons. The Magpies were just about to play the Carabao Cup final and were keen on finding more silverware, while Brighton were looking to make it two straight wins at St James’ Park.
Newcastle losing was one thing, but another incident in the game completely overshadowed everything. Anthony Gordon was sent off for Newcastle after a moment of madness where he lashed out at van Hecke, who immediately went to ground.
Gordon’s red card meant he missed the Carabao Cup final, although it did not mean a great deal as the Magpies still won at Wembley.
Harvey Barnes is more likely to start on the wing out of the pair, but Gordon could be reunited with the Brighton defender later in the game if the stars align.
Newcastle fans will surely remember the incident involving the pair going into the game.
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