Dunk and O’Riley back for FA Cup: Brighton v Forest team news
Brighton will have Lewis Dunk and Matt ‘Riley available for selection after injury in the headline team news ahead of the FA Cup quarter final against Nottingham Forest.
The Albion will though be without Tariq Lamptey. Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the right back is expected to be out for a long time.
And with his contract set to expire in the summer and no news of any progress towards a new deal, it is possible Lamptey has played his final game in a Brighton shirt.
“It’s an ankle injury,” said Hureler when pressed for details. “Now the question is, what’s the definition, what is long?”
“I think there’s a chance that we will see him back. He is a good healer, so I have a big trust in my medical staff, medical department, and into his mindset to be back on the pitch as quick as possible, so there’s a chance that he will be back in several weeks.”
This seems like a good point to remind everyone that James Milner has not been seen for eight months after suffering a minor injury in August.
Dunk too was only meant to be out for a couple of games after picking up a rib problem in the FA Cup fourth round against Chelsea.
Brighton have since won six and drawn one without their captain, moving serenely into the Champions League picture and progressing to the last eight of the world’s greatest cup competition.
The medical team’s record when it comes to getting players back from so-called small injuries hardly inspires the sort of confidence Hurzeler claims to have.
When discussing Dunk and O’Riley, Hurzeler said: “Hopefully they will both be options for the game. Let’s wait for the session today.”
Joel Veltman remains unavailable, leaving Jack Hinshelwood and Pervis Estupinan as Hurzeler’s only options to fill the full back roles.
Estupinan will not train before the game as he flies back from international duty in South America. Joao Pedro and Diego Gomez were also in action on the other side of the world. Hurzeler though expects all three to be involved despite their lengthy return journeys to Sussex.
There is a slight doubt over Kaoru Mitoma, who picked up a knock whilst playing for Japan. Hurzeler said Mitoma has a “small issue” but should be fine. We have, of course, heard that before…
The major team news coming out of the Forest camp is that former Brighton forward Chris Wood will miss the tie through injury.
Wood always, without fail scores against Brighton. In the 7-0 shambles at the City Ground last month, he hit a hat-trick.
Although the New Zealand international had not started an FA Cup game this season, he surely would have been involved at the Amex with a semi final spot at Wembley up for grabs.
His absence will provide a significant boost to the Albion as they go looking to avenge that heaviest league defeat since 1958 inflicted by the Tricky Trees eight weeks ago.
