Brighton 2-0 Burnley: View from the pressbox
All the latest team news for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton will be without their star midfielder Carlos Baleba for their trips to Manchester this week.
The Seagulls face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Wednesday night in the Premier League, swiftly followed by their FA Cup third round tie at Manchester United on Sunday.
Baleba is currently away on AFCON duty with Cameroon and his time there was extended last night as the 21-year-old helped his country progress to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against South Africa at the Agdal Medina Stadium.
The Indomitable Lions now face tournament hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals on Friday, January 9. Baleba impressed for his country against South Africa and was named man of the match.
It’s a boost for the player as he has struggled for Brighton this season and continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils tried to sign him last summer but interest swiftly cooled as Brighton reportedly demanded £100m-plus for the star midfielder.
United remain keen and yesterday transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted: “Manchester United maintain regular contact with Carlos Baleba’s camp since last summer.
“He’s one of the main targets for 2026 but no fresh bid or direct talks with Brighton took place this month. #BHAFC still intend to keep Baleba this season.”
Paul Barber: No contact from Manchester United
Although Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said last week: “[We’ve had] no call from Old Trafford, no call from anyone connected to Manchester United. We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos Baleba in this window or any future window,” said Barber to TALKSport.
Missing Baleba for the Manchester double header is a blow for Brighton as midfielder Mats Wieffer has missed the last two matches with a toe injury and is a doubt for Wednesday.
Midfielder Pascal Gross, who returned to the club last week, should be available after his substitute appearance in the 2-0 win against Burnley last Saturday.
Adam Webster (knee), Solly March (knee) and Stefanos Tzimas (knee) are the long term absentees.
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