Dunk and O’Riley injury doubts: Brighton v Everton team news

Much of the talk as Fabian Hurzeler spoke to the media before Brighton welcome Everton to the Amex was about the final week of the transfer window – but there were still some team news snippets gleaned from the The Youngest Permanent Manager in Premier League History.

Neither Lewis Dunk nor Matt O’Riley is at 100 percent and so may miss the visit of the Toffees through small injury problems.

Dunk has a muscle injury which we can probably assume is the same troublesome calf that has side lined him twice already this season.

The Albion captain missed five weeks between the end of October and start of December with the issue. He was then ruled out again over New Year, only returning to the starting XI for Sunday’s 3-1 win against Manchester United.

Dunk played the entire game at Old Trafford but the price for that appears to be a reoccurrence of the injury. Should he miss the Everton game, Adam Webster is the only available centre back replacement. Webster is yet to complete 90 minutes since his own return from three months out.

O’Riley meanwhile is suffering with a knee injury. He was not in the matchday squad for the United game having come off after 63 minutes in the 2-0 victory at Ipswich Town 72 hours earlier.

Other team news delivered by Hurzeler ahead of Brighton facing Everton centred on Brajan Gruda and Jack Hinshelwood.

Gruda missed the United and Ipswich wins with an unspecified problem. Hinshelwood has not been seen since the Albion defeated Manchester City 2-1 back in November.

The return of Hinshelwood would provide a particular boost to Hurzeler because of his versatility. Hinshelwood can cover both full back roles, where the Albion look a little light at the moment.

Season-ending injuries to Ferdi Kadioglu and Igor Julio have left Brighton with only Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan as available full backs.

Hinshelwood started the season as Hurzeler’s first choice left back whilst Estupinan worked his way back from ankle surgery.

Hurzeler also provided an update on Jason Steele. Brighton surprised everyone including Hull City by recalling Carl Rushworth early from his season long loan with the Tigers.

The reason for this has since been revealed as Steele needing a shoulder operation. Rushworth will now sit on the bench as number two to Bart Verbruggen.

Rushworth cannot be involved in the FA Cup having played for Hull in their shock third round elimination against League Two side Doncaster Rovers.

Hurzeler said Brighton would miss the leadership of Steele and his honest opinion. No date has been put on when Steele might return.

In terms of what Hurzeler said transfer wise, he remained coy about what may or may not happen with Evan Ferguson.

The Irish striker has been the subject of intense speculation. Depending on what you read, you might expect him to join West Ham United on loan. Arsenal permanently. Drop down to the Championship. Or reunite with Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille.

Ferguson being side lined with an ankle injury muddies the waters further. Will Brighton sanction a loan if he is not recovered to a club who may overplay him with little concern for long-term damage?

One player who has definitely secured a temporary move from the Amex is Julio Enciso. The forward joins Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season.

This represents a good move for all parties. The Tractor Boys get someone who can make a difference in their bid for survival.

Enciso (hopefully) plays regular football for four months. And Brighton will have their fingers crossed he can help Ipswich take points off the Albion’s rivals for a top eight finish.

Hurzeler said the decision for Enciso to move to Portman Road was made between club and player. The Albion head coach called it the right move for Enciso’s development.

Finally, Hurzeler spoke about the Albion’s one January acquisition so far. Diego Gomez signed from Inter Miami for £12 million and made his Brighton debut against United.

Hurzeler called Gomez “a warrior”, adding that he will bring a different dimension to the Albion’s midfield options.