Brighton
Image credit: Getty Images
Brighton will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night with a depleted squad, as head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed multiple injury concerns ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.
The Seagulls, who are hoping to bounce back from a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, will face a red-hot Arsenal side currently sitting at the top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League.
Brighton have caused problems for the Gunners in recent seasons, holding them to draws in both league meetings last year and knocking them out of the Carabao Cup in 2022/23. But their chances of repeating such results have been hampered by a growing injury list.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hurzeler revealed that James Milner, Kaoru Mitoma, and Brajan Gruda will all miss the game.
Veteran midfielder James Milner will not be available to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)
“James suffered a small muscle issue, so he won’t be available,” Hurzeler told reporters. “It might be two or three matches. It’s not a big one. He is a good healer. He will come back as quick as possible.”
Mitoma, who has not featured since sustaining an ankle injury against Chelsea on September 27, also remains sidelined. Although the setback was initially described as “small” and “nothing serious,” the Japan international has now missed a month of action.
“Kaoru Mitoma is helpful for us in every game because he has special qualities, always dangerous for opponents,” Hurzeler said ahead of the United game. “If he is not available I am sure we will find solutions, but he is a game changer for us.”
Kaoru Mitoma is a doubt ahead of Arsenal clash (Image credit: Getty Images)
Teenage midfielder Harry Howell, who featured earlier in the Carabao Cup campaign, is also unavailable after developing a back issue.
“Harry had a small issue with his back, so we have to be patient with him because he came from a different environment,” Hurzeler explained. “He came from a different intensity to the first team environment with different demands.
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“And I think, especially for young bodies, it’s very important to be careful with the adaptation. So, in some moments, it’s important to take a step back to make in the future two steps forwards. We don’t have to force it.”
Joel Veltman is “getting closer” to a return, but The Athletic reports the Dutch defender will not be risked due to a calf problem.
Long-term absentees Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and Adam Webster also remain out of action, leaving Brighton short of options as they prepare to take on one of the most in-form teams in Europe.
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