Early Brighton team news ahead of Sunderland clash on Saturday - Will Tom Watson play?
We've taken a look at the players Brighton may be missing when they face Sunderland on Saturday.
Sunderland are on cloud nine right now following their Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle United, but they must quickly refocus in order to build momentum.
The Black Cats beat their arch-rivals 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday thanks to a Nick Woltemade own goal, ensuring they remain unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League derbies. Regis Le Bris’ side are now seventh in the table and only trail Crystal Palace and Liverpool directly above them on goal difference, but up next is a challenging away trip to Brighton on Saturday.
The Seagulls are 10th in the table following a 2-0 defeat away at Liverpool, but they’re only three points behind Sunderland and have only lost once at the Amex Stadium this season. However, Fabian Hurzeler is going to be restricted by a number of key absences that will offer Sunderland hope of a precious away result. Here is their latest team news:
Lewis Dunk - Out (suspended)
Lewis Dunk has long been a key pillar of the Brighton defence and this season is no different, with the six-time England international playing all but 45 of their Premier League minutes. However, the 34-year-old centre-back will not be able to feature against Sunderland as he serves a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
Dunk has been booked in each of his last two appearances to take his total for the campaign to five, with his latest a needless yellow for a cynical foul against Liverpool, just moments before Hugo Ekitike completed his brace to settle the tie.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Diego Gomez - Out (suspended)
Winger Diego Gomez was also booked for the fifth time this season at Anfield, with his yellow thoroughly justified as he caught Florian Wirtz on the stomach with his studs just before half-time. Three of Gomez’s yellows have come in his last five matches, and he’ll now watch from the stands as Sunderland come to the South Coast.
Carlos Baleba - Out (Afcon)
Carlos Baleba lasted 64 minutes against Liverpool before being replaced by Yasin Ayari, with the 21-year-old - heavily linked with Manchester United in the summer - playing at least some part of every single Brighton game in the Premier League this season.
However, the Seagulls will now have to do without him for the foreseeable future, with Baleba jetting off to Morocco as Brighton’s sole representative at the Africa Cup of Nations. Baleba’s energy and tenacity in midfield will be sorely missed, especially against Sunderland.
Adam Webster - Out (injured)
Adam Webster hasn’t made a single matchday squad this season due to an ACL injury, and the 30-year-old defender isn’t due to return until the start of January at the earliest.
Solly March - Out (injured)
Similarly, Solly March has been out since April with a major knee injury, which required surgery. The winger could return to the squad this month, but not in time for this match.
Stefanos Tzimas - Out (injured)
Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas was just starting to find his feet in November and early December, scoring late in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest off the back of goals against Northern Ireland and Georgia in U21 Euros qualifying. However, the teenager succumbed to a knee injury against Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago and won’t be seen again until April at least.
Tom Watson - Doubt (injured)
The man who scored the goal to fire Sunderland back into the Premier League, Tom Watson has shown sparks of promise since his controversial summer move to Brighton, notching a goal and three assists in three EFL Cup games - though he’s clocked just 40 minutes in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has been struggling with a muscle injury recently and is a major doubt to make the squad against his former club.