‘You can feel it’ – Injury update for £30m Brighton star after six-match absence

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler will be hoping for good news from the medical department this week ahead of Saturday’s game with Premier League champions Manchester City.

   Albion, who are eighth in the table, have had a number of injury problems this season and up to nine players could be unavailable for the City game.

   One player who is progressing well is £30million striker Joao Pedro.    The Brazilian, who has started just three games this season, injured his ankle in the closing stages of a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the Amex in September.

   Pedro has since missed a chaotic 4-2 defeat against Chelsea, a 3-2 home win against Spurs, a 1-0 triumph against Newcastle, a 2-2 draw against Wolves, last week’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat against  Liverpool and a narrow 2-1 defeat at Anfield last Saturday.

   Hurzeler’s team missed Pedro’s eye for goal and his all-round work in the attacking third.    The £30m signing from Watford – who has two goals in his opening three games this season – was close to the squad for Saturday’s clash with Liverpool and now hopes to feature for Saturday’s clash with Man City.

   Hurzeler confirmed on Thursday that his striker was close to a move to Anfield, then said Pedro was highly motivated to return.    “He always has extra motivation,” said the German.   “Every time I talk to him, he is waiting to get back on the field as soon as possible.

   “He’s a great healer. Now it’s about keeping him steady. He’s a player who can make a difference on the pitch. Hopefully he’ll be steady next month and then play the whole season for us.

   “It is also important for him and for the Brazilian national team that he is in the perfect place. He works hard and wants to help the team. He is a person who is very happy that the team is doing well, you can feel it in the dressing room. I am sure he is happy,  that Danny [Welbeck] and Georginio [Rutter] are in that form.