Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler provided key injury updates after his team held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates – despite the absence of £100m worth of new signings.Albion were without Matt O’Riley, Ferdi Kadioglu, Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda for the visit to North London on Saturday (August 31).
It was also the first match without Billy Gilmour, who completed a deadline day move to Napoli.
This left Hurzeler with a midfield headache – opting to play Carlos Baleba and versatile veteran James Milner. The latter had to be substituted after just 16 minutes and was replaced by Yasin Ayari, 20 – who only had five Premier League appearances to his name.
On Milner’s injury, Hurzeler said: “We have to do a scan to see what it will be. I don’t think it’s so bad. A little bit on the hamstrings.”
Kadioglu was reported to have picked up a knock in training just days after completing his move from Fenerbahce. The versatile full-back, 24 can also play in midfield.
“He has small issues,” Hurzeler said. “It’s always difficult for a player who wants to change [clubs] with long negotiations between the clubs.
