Brighton disciplinary issues mount ahead of Burnley and Tottenham
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler will have to cope without his skipper Lewis Dunk for the next two Premier League matches.
The 34-year-old centre back has been a key man for the Seagulls this term with 28 Premier League starts from his 29 outings so far.
But Dunk has picked up far too many yellow cards and his caution last time out in the 2-1 win against champions Liverpool was his 10th of the campaign.
Hitting double digits means the captain will serve an automatic two-match ban, which will see him miss Saturday's trip to Burnley, followed by next weekend's away day at Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham.
Premier League rules state: "Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches up to and including their side's 32nd fixture will serve a two-match suspension in the competition.”
Another chance for Olivier Boscagli
Dunk's suspension will likely see another chance for defender Olivier Boscagli to impress.
The Frenchman has been used sparingly this term following his free transfer summer move from PSV Eindhoven with just five starts from his eight Premier League appearances.
The 28-year-old has though looked good in his limited outings and should provide reliable back-up at Burnley and Tottenham. Brazilian defender Igor Julio could also step up to the match day squad.
Hurzeler touchline ban
Just to add to the disciplinary issues, Hurzeler is also banned from the touchline at Burnley after the fiery German picked up his sixth booking of the season against Liverpool.
Hurzeler was cautioned by referee Darren England for waving an imaginary yellow card after a foul from Liverpool's former Brighton man Alexis Mac Allister.
"Yeah, it's too harsh," said Hurzeler to Sussex World when asked about his latest yellow card against Liverpool.
"For me, I don't want to create another big bang here. I was sitting here a few weeks ago after Arsenal and created a big bang, so now I'm more careful what I say.
"I don't want to be the main topic tomorrow in the media. But it's just... If I see how others behaves and then I behave like this and I immediately get a yellow card, it's just nonsense."
Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez is also walking a disciplinary tightrope as the combative Paraguayan has nine bookings. His latest yellow came in the 2-1 win against Liverpool.
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