Brighton will be hoping a few of their injured players can return to action against Aston Villa
Jan Paul Van Hecke of Brighton
Jan Paul Van Hecke of Brighton(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Brighton hope to welcome defender Jan Paul van Hecke back for their trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Fabian Hurzeler was without the Dutch centre-back against Crystal Palace due to a minor hamstring strain, with his absence reported as a precaution.
Asked about van Hecke’s chances of playing at Villa, Hurzeler said: “I hope so, yes.”
Brighton lost 1-0 to their rivals at the Amex on Sunday and were missing several first-team regulars, including van Hecke.
Teenage winger Harry Howell was given his first Premier League start, with the 17-year-old one of three changes made for the weekend defeat.
Diego Gomez could also return to face Villa in midweek after being in contention to play against Palace but appearing to fail a late fitness test.
Yasin Ayari, meanwhile, is expected to remain sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury in the draw against Everton at the end of last month.
Mats Wieffer may also continue to be absent after missing Brighton’s last seven league games with a foot injury, while Solly March has been ruled out of the club’s last four matches in the competition.
Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas are both long-term absentees for Brighton.