Danny Welbeck, in exceptional form for Brighton this season, is likely to miss the upcoming game against West Ham due to an ankle injury.
The experienced striker, who has scored six goals in 16 appearances under manager Fabian Hurzeler, has been a key player.
However, he only made a brief appearance as a substitute against Leicester City last weekend, with Hurzeler admitting he was “not in the best shape” during a pre-match press conference.
On a positive note, right-back Joel Veltman and midfielder Matt O’Riley could return to action at the London Stadium, while centre-back Adam Webster is back in training.
Despite Brighton’s recent struggles, Hurzeler remains confident in his ability to manage the pressure. Albion’s 3-1 loss to rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday marked their fourth consecutive game without a win, leaving fans increasingly frustrated.
Hurzeler, who joined Brighton after a successful stint at St Pauli and became the Premier League’s youngest permanent manager, admitted this challenging period is a “new experience” for him. “I can handle this situation,” he said.
“I love having the responsibility, and I understand the pressure and being judged by results.”
The manager praised the club’s structure and support from key figures like chairman Tony Bloom and technical director David Weir.
He emphasized the importance of hard work and problem-solving during tough times, stating, “It’s about leading by example and staying focused on solutions.”
Brighton briefly climbed to second in the table after a 1-1 draw with Southampton but have since slipped to ninth following a two-goal collapse against Leicester and losses to Fulham and Palace.
Despite the challenges, Hurzeler remains optimistic, citing the team’s strong values and unity. “We have great characters who take responsibility, work hard, and focus on improvement. This community and togetherness will help us overcome this period.”