BRIGHTON could be without their most in-form forward when they visit St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United on Saturday.

Georginio Rutter has scored in the Seagulls’ last two matches, opening the scoring in his side’s 4-2 defeat at Chelsea before claiming Brighton’s second goal in last weekend’s thrilling comeback win over Tottenham.

However, the 22-year-old, who became Brighton’s record signing when he moved to the Amex Stadium from Leeds United in the summer, has emerged as a major injury doubt ahead of this weekend’s trip to Tyneside.

Rutter was meant to have spent the weekend on international duty with France Under-21s, having linked up with his national side at the end of last week.

However, the forward sustained an injury in training and was sent back to England instead of remaining with the French Under-21 squad for matches against Cyprus and Austria.

He will be assessed by Brighton’s medical staff in the next couple of days, with Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler sure to be concerned over his wellbeing.

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A statement from the French FA said: “The staff of the French Espoirs team announced that Georginio Rutter has withdrawn due to injury.

“The Brighton & Hove Albion (English Premier League) striker will not be able to take part in the Bleus' next two matches in Cyprus and against Austria, as part of the Euro U21 2025 qualifiers.”

Rutter’s absence from Saturday’s game would be a major blow to Brighton’s hopes of claiming victory over Newcastle, with the Seagulls also sweating over the availability of Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian striker has been struggling with an ankle injury, and was forced to sit out the last two games against Chelsea and Spurs. Hurzeler is hoping Pedro could return to training this week, but he is currently regarded as a major doubt for Saturday’s game at St James’.

Newcastle’s injury situation is set to ease significantly in the next few days, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both expected to take part in full training sessions at the club’s Darsley Park training base.

Isak’s return to the starting side would enable Anthony Gordon to return to a wide role on the flank, with the Swede having missed Newcastle’s last two league matches against Manchester City and Everton.

Kieran Trippier is major doubt for Saturday’s game, however, after suffering a hamstring injury in the closing stages of last weekend’s goalless draw at Goodison Park. The full-back is facing a couple of weeks on the sidelines and is not expected to be available to face Brighton.