Gull-Mouth Action | Brighton beaten at Anfield, penalty drama at Crawley Town.mp4
Arsenal vs Brighton team news from the Emirates Stadium
Brighton’s leading scorer this season Danny Welbeck was left from the starting XI against his former club Arsenal.
Welbeck, 35, has seven goals for Brighton this term but has not scored for the Seagulls since the 2-1 win against Brentford on November 22.
The veteran striker was only fit enough for the bench in the 2-0 loss at Liverpool on December 13 and was then left from the matchday squad altogether last week in the 0-0 home draw against Sunderland at the Amex Stadium last week.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the former Gunner is still struggling with a lower back injury and was deemed not fit enough to start at the Emirates.
Brighton lack attacking options
It’s a blow for Brighton who are short on numbers in attacking areas. Georginio was deployed as the main striker but the former Leeds United man always looks far more comfortable in the No 10 role.
To add the problems, £22m summer signing Stefanos Tzimas is currently sidelined with a knee issue and fellow Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas awaits his first league start of the season.
Evan Ferguson remains on loan in Roma and Brighton’s over-reliance on a 35-year-old Welbeck is clear to see and an issue the club may look to address in the January transfer window.
Brighton’s star wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh have also struggled to find their top form and fitness which has further blunted Hurzeler’s attack.
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