BRIGHTON will be without star striker Joao Pedro for Saturday’s Premier League game against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Pedro suffered an ankle injury during last month’s draw with Nottingham Forest, but it was hoped that the Brazilian would complete his recovery during the international break.
However, Pedro has not been able to return to training, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirming the striker will not be part of the squad at Newcastle during his pre-match press conference this morning.
Georginio Rutter has recovered from a knock sustained in the win over Tottenham prior to the international break, while Jon Paul van Hecke has completed his recovery from injury and is set to partner Lewis Dunk at the heart of Brighton’s back four at the weekend.
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Former Newcastle midfielder James Milner remains unavailable because of injury though, with Hurzeler will make a late call over Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso, both of whom have been on international duty in South America in the last fortnight.
Hurzeler said: “We’re still waiting for players to return from international duty - Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso. But there’s no known issues (with them) currently.
“Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Riley are longer-term, but JP van Hecke comes back into contention.”
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