“Everything going to plan” – Brighton player on fitness battle since joining Seagulls

Brajan Gruda was one of the new faces to arrive at Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer window.

   The attacking midfielder had to wait until October 6 to make his Brighton debut after injury sidelined him.

   Germany Under-21 coach Antonio Di Salvo has named the Brighton player in his squad for both games this month.

   According to Kicker, Di Salvo has agreed with Fabian Hürzeler on a plan to help the 20-year-old further improve his form and fitness.

   Gruda faced Poland on Tuesday.    After the equalizing goal, Kicker chatted with the forward, who gave an update on his fitness.

   Asked if he was ready to play for the German under-21 team yesterday, he said: “Yes, after consulting with the coach and the doctors, I felt good this time and I got playing time accordingly.

   “The plan was actually 45 minutes – but it’s good that I was able to play another 10 minutes, even though it was more difficult in the end. Everything is going according to plan, now we can only go forward.”

   The German youngster believes he should be able to return to his best in no time.

   “I don’t think there’s much left to do, a few more training sessions and I’ll be back in top shape,” Gruda explained.

   The former 1. FSV Mainz 05 player was determined to be part of Germany’s U21 squad this month.    Gruda explained how this could help him in the Premier League.

   “I’ve been struggling for a while, I’ve been out for six weeks and I haven’t played a game this season,” he added.

   “The question was whether I would even be able to handle the load because of the pain, but I really wanted to be there and see if it would get better with the U21s in the next few days.    The guys here are really good, we have a lot of fun – and the matches are going well too.

   “Obviously it makes sense to get game time here: it’s good for my lungs, it’s good for my performance – although now I’m playing for Brighton again. I’d say it’s been a kind of preparation for the Premier League.”

   Gruda is now aiming for more playing time at Brighton and remains confident that he will achieve this in the near future.

   “Staying fit and getting more minutes at Brighton. Of course, who doesn’t want to play? But that will only come with hard training and good performances in short missions – and then it will be good…” he said.

   Asked if Hürzeler had the same demands, the German said: “Of course he does – but it’s already in me anyway.    I don’t give up, I give everything in training!”