Is Brighton star Joao Pedro injured this weekend? Premier League injury update

Brighton & Hove Albion have enjoyed a promising start to the season under new boss Fabian Hurzeler.

The Seagulls sit ninth in the table and are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with their only defeat so far this term coming viaCole Palmer’s record-breaking four-goal haulat Chelsea last weekend.

Is Joao Pedro injured this weekend?

Joao Pedroenjoyed a fast start to the season, netting against Manchester United and Arsenal before being forced off in the first half of the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last month.

The Brazilian sat out the defeat to Chelsea, with Hurzeler giving an update before the Stamford Bridge trip.

“We have to go week for week with him,” said theBrightonchief. “But I don’t think he will be an option for the weekend. I’m not sure how long he will be out. I think Joao is a good healer. I’m convinced he will be back soon. But of course also with this player we can’t take any risks.”

The German then gave a fresh update on Pedro’s fitness in his pre-Spurs press conference on Friday morning, seeming to confirm that the Brazilian will miss out this weekend, as he mentioned the forward when discussing defender Jam Paul Van Hecke’s injury.

“I think it is not that bad as Joao,” he said when asked when the defender will return. “We have to go week by week.”

With an international break following this round of fixtures, Hurzeler may be minded to play it safe and give the young forward more time to recover, as this is the second time he has been sidelined already this season.

Summer signing Georginio Rutter proved himself an able deputy last weekend as he scored his first goal for the club since his club record £40milion summer move fromLeeds United.

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Brighton also have doubts over Joel Veltman,James Milner,Brajan Gruda and Simon Adingra, while Matt O’Riley and Solly March have been ruled out.