Kadioglu in line for Albion debut: Brighton v Ipswich team news

The headline team news ahead of Brighton welcoming Ipswich Town to the Amex is that new £25 million signing Ferdi Kadioglu could make his Albion debut.

Kadioglu has only been seen by Seagulls supporters during his unveiling as Brighton beat Crawley Rugby Club 2-1 in the League Cup.

He made an instant impression by being dressed in the sort of suit you rarely see outside an episode of Michael Portillo’s Great Continental Railway Journeys.

But an injury in one of his first training sessions after putting down his Bradhsaw’s Guide and lacing up his boots meant Kadioglu was unable to play a part in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

When asked about Kaioglu, youngest permanent manager in Premier League history Fabian Hurzeler said a first appearance for the Turkish internatioonal was “a possibility, yes.”

Where Kadioglu fits in will be intriguing. He played right back, left back, right wing, left wing, holding midfielder, central midfield, number 10 and even as a second striker for Fenerbahce. Like a Premier League version of Romain Vincelot.

Interestingly, Hurzeler mentioned Kadioglu answering a question about his midfield options and the return of Jakub Moder.

Talking about Moder featuring in both Poland’s games during the international break, Hurzeler said: “He collected important game time, although it was not so long. He is also an important member of the squad and we will see if he will be part of it on Saturday.”

“With Ferdi coming back, Jakub coming back, maybe Mats Wieffer will be back, we have great flexibility to fill this position.”

On the subject of Wieffer, Hurzeler added: “We don’t need to take a risk. We won’t take any high risk.” Although the Dutchman has returned to training, it seems more likely he is eased back in the midweek League Cup clash against Wolves.

Three players we definitely know not to be in any conversations around Brighton versus Ipswich team news are Matt O’Riley, James Milner and Solly March.

O’Riley required ankle surgery after a horror tackle just six minutes into his Albion debut by Crawley captain Jay Williams.

Hurzeler said: “He has a great attitude. Immediately after surgery he is very positive. He is around us in the training ground. He is doing his rehab already. I think he will be coming back quite fast.”

Milner had to be withdrawn before the midway point of the first half at Arsenal. The veteran has undergone a scan and whilst the injury does not appear serious, Hurzeler was reluctant to put a timeframe on any return.

“It is not a big issue. With him we have to go day by day, see how he gets integrated in the team, how fast he can play without any problems and there we have to see step by step. We have to be patient.”

March meanwhile is working again with the first team after damaging his ACL against Manchester City last October. The Albion are quite rightly being overly cautious, with Hurzeler saying it will be some weeks yet before March is considered for competitive action.

“If you are injured for that long time it is a long way back. He is now training fully with us but he cannot do every training session.”

“We have to be very patient. The positive thing is he is back on the training pitch and he can go at this intensity. He is in very good shape. We are all impressed how good he is already.”

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was the Albion’s first-choice target to replace Roberto De Zerbi in the summer. McKenna also attracted interest from Chelsea (quelle surprise) whilst Manchester United also considered him.

Loyalty to the club he led to back-to-back promotions from League One to Premier League convinced McKenna to stay at Portman Road. That and a big, fat, new contract.

The parallels between Hurzeler and McKenna are obvious. Young, playing expansive football and with a bright future in the game.

Hurzeler had words of praise for McKenna and Ipswich: “They want to play out from the back. They don’t use a lot of long balls so that is a clear structure, no matter if they play against Liverpool or City or Fulham.”

“They have a clear identity and it is very impressive. We expect a very strong opponent.”