Fabian Hürzeler confirmed that Brighton and Hove Albion striker João Pedro “will train” ahead of the Seagulls’ Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest this Sunday.
After missing the disappointing 0-0 draw with newly-promoted Ipswich Town, Pedro has been a key focus of Brighton’s medical team this week and Hürzeler’s update appears to green-light the Brazilian’s chances of playing against Forest.
Hürzeler also hailed Carlos Baleba’s recent impact on the team after the midfielder’s first goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, and intimated the Cameroonian was likely to keep his place against Forest.
Pervis Estupiñán’s return from injury, plus Ferdi Kadıoğlu’s introduction to the team and first goal against Wolves, were also topics of discussion ahead of the Seagulls’ latest contest, with the reigning Premier League Manager of the Month full of positivity.
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Positives for Pedro
Having started the season with a huge impact by scoring against Manchester United and Arsenal, João Pedro was a huge miss for Hürzeler’s side against Ipswich.
This absence was the result of a problematic international break for the Brazilian, as he was restricted to 45 minutes in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Paraguay and came away with a slight niggle.
Without him, the Seagulls fired 21 shots against the Tractor Boys but failed to find a way past stubborn goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, and the striker’s absence was noticeable throughout.
Hürzeler offered a positive update on Pedro ahead of his side’s Friday training session, however.
“He will train with the team today [Friday] and then we have to see how it’s going – if he can train fully, if he can do all the movements. We won’t take any risk, but he will be part of the training today,” said the German.
With a handful of other players still recovering from issues of their own, Hürzeler offered an update on those nearing a return.
