Brighton handed injury concern ahead of Sunderland clash as Fabian Hurzeler provides update
The Brighton boss provided an update after a key player was forced off during defeat to Arsenal
Brighton have been handed a potential injury concern ahead of their upcoming Premier League trip to the Stadium of Light after Kaoru Mitoma was forced off during their defeat to Arsenal.
The Japan international was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Yankuba Minteh, with Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler later confirming the winger will now undergo a scan to determine the extent of the issue. Mitoma had impressed during the opening period before being unable to continue, leaving Brighton waiting on further medical assessment ahead of their next fixture.
Albion do not play again for ten days before travelling to face Sunderland on Saturday, March 14, and Hurzeler is hopeful the problem will not prove serious. Mitoma has already endured injury disruption earlier this season after missing several weeks with an ankle problem.
Speaking after the game, Hurzeler said: “He couldn't continue the game, so that was disappointing for us because I think he showed a good performance in the first half. Now we have to wait for the scan, and then we can say more. But we don't think that it's a big injury.”
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Brighton are also monitoring Solly March after the winger reported a minor muscle issue following his substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Hurzeler added: “He had a small issue, minor, so he will be back for the next game.”
March’s absence from the starting XI against Arsenal saw Harry Howell return to the matchday squad, with the youngster making a brief appearance late in the contest. Elsewhere, club captain Lewis Dunk was left out of the side as a precaution due to an ongoing knee issue. Brighton now have time to assess their injury concerns before travelling to Wearside next weekend, where Sunderland will be aiming to build on their recent Premier League momentum.
Régis Le Bris reflects as Sunderland reach 40-point mark
Habib Diarra's second-half penalty sealed a memorable 1-0 win for Sunderland against Leeds United at Elland Road, who were missing a significant number of players due to injury.
The three points takes them to the fabled 40 mark, all but assuring their Premier League status for next season and with nine games still to play. Le Bris said it was a proud moment for everyone at the club but that they had to keep pushing to ensure they are not dragged into late trouble and to try and build on a strong start to their FA Cup campaign.
Asked what his next target would be, Le Bris said: "43! Yeah, I think we go step by step. This target was really important. We don't know yet if it will be enough because the season can be crazy, and still possible because the race will be intense. But we still have nine games to play, and if we keep the same mindset, then we can have other targets a bit higher; we'll see.
“I am proud. It's not only me, because it's teamwork. For example, this game, we had to work a lot about our defensive set-up against a 3-4-3. We didn't work on the pitch, but we worked hard with the coaching staff. We were ready, so it means a lot about the togetherness of the club in general. Yes, it's positive, but we can't stop. It's always the next game, we'll have the FA Cup. And then after that, we'll have a Brighton at home. We want to win, so we can't stop, but we can appreciate this moment."
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