JUST IN : Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has stated that five players will miss their trip to Newcastle United

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has stated that five players will miss their trip to Newcastle United this weekend.
Joao Pedro is absent due to an ankle injury sustained before the international break as a result of a tackle by Morgan Gibbs-White. Toon fans will recall the Brazilian as a former transfer target in 2022. While the deal fell through, Newcastle managed to break their transfer record for Alexander Isak. He is unlikely to be healthy until next month, putting him out of the St James’ Park match. Seagulls boss also revealed Matt O’Riley and Adam Webster will miss the 700-mile-round journey. However, talented defender Jan Paul van Hecke has returned to training and could partner Lewis Dunk in defence. Watch on Shots! Geordie Journos reflect on Newcastle United takeover – three years on “Still waiting for players to return from international duty, Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso, but no known issues currently,” Hurzeler said at his press conference. “Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Reilly are longer-term, but JP van Hecke comes back into contention.”

As for Newcastle, they are set for a welcome boost, with Callum Wilson and Isak both expected to be fit. The former has not kicked a ball all season after battling a back problem.

Conversely, Isak battled through the pain barrier with a suspected broken toe before the international break. Anthony Gordon led the line in their absence but the pair are thought to have returned to give Eddie Howe a positive selection headache.

Kieran Trippier, however, is out. The Toon veteran picked up a hamstring injury against Everton and NewcastleWorld revealed last week he will miss the Brighton game – paving the way for Tino Livramento to reclaim his place