Jack Hinshelwood’s recent withdrawal from international duty with England Under-21’s was reportedly ‘precautionary’.
The midfielder has asserted himself as a key player for Brighton over the past few weeks, with his newfound freedom playing as a No. 10 allowing him to link up play well with Danny Welbeck, whilst adding energy and solidity out of possession.
Hinshelwood has registered two assists in five appearances since the Seagulls overcame a dismal run of form during the winter period, though that figure undersells his influence in the final third.
Thus, hearts dropped on the Sussex coast when England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley revealed that the playmaker had withdrawn from international duty due to injury.
The Argus has since shed light on the matter, describing the problem as ‘very minor’ and that Hinshelwood’s decision to miss clashes against Andorra and Moldova as ‘purely precautionary’.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is not short of depth in the No. 10 role, with both Georginio Rutter and Charalampos Kostoulas struggling for minutes in the position due to Hinshelwood’s form.
Pascal Gross has previously been deployed as an attacking-minded midfielder in years gone by, and the German could slot back into the position if the aforementioned injury is worse than initially anticipated.
Nevertheless, with the Seagulls set to enjoy an additional week’s rest this weekend due to the FA Cup fixtures, there appears to be plenty of confidence that Hinshelwood will be available to take on Burnley on 11 April.
Hurzeler will be hoping to avoid any more injury scares before the international break draws to a close.
Speaking before a number of his stars headed abroad, the German boss called for international managers to take ‘responsibility’ in keeping his stars fit and firing.
He said: “I hope all the national teams take care of our players because I think we give them in really good shape to them and hopefully they come back in good shape. Therefore, everyone has responsibility now.”