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Brian Owen Profile Image
Michael Svoboda has become a dad (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Michael Svoboda has become a dad (Image: Liz Finlayson)
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Michael Svoboda missed Albion's game at Anfield because he was about to become a father.
But the centre-back is expected to return to the squad as they face two away games against Manchester City.
Svoboda was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad which went down 2-0 to Liverpool.
He was not included even though fellow centre-back Pascal Struijk was ruled out by injury.
Now Fabian Hurzeler has revealed he left the group on Merseyside to rush back to Brighton.
The Albion head coach said: "He became a father and therefore he wasn't in the squad.
"Yesterday, his baby arrived, so we want to wish him and his family all the best. So it was positive news and not an injury.
"He travelled with us to Liverpool and, of course, I'm not a father yet, so I can't say to you how exactly are all the procedures.
"But I think his Mrs was quite sure that the baby should arrive in the night and then he had to come home during the night.
"So it was quite a tough travel for him but in the end the baby arrived yesterday, so it took a little bit more time.
"We all very, very happy here in Brighton that everything went well, that Michael's Mrs and also the baby are fine.
"Family is always first and therefore we hope that he will be back now for tomorrow."
Svoboda's wife Ines posted photos of the coouple on social media last month with the words: "Just us with our +1."
Svoboda travelleed to the Czech Republic in the days before the baby's birth and played in the 0-0 draw with Jablonec.