Pedro injury doubt for Toon trip: Newcastle v Brighton team news
Brighton have been dealt a blow ahead of their visit to Newcastle United with Joao Pedro a doubt after picking up an ankle injury in training.
Roberto De Zerbi was unable to reveal the severity of the problem or put a timeframe on how long Pedro would be out.
The injury only happened on Friday morning, just before De Zerbi spoke the press ahead of the team travelling to Tyneside.
When asked for further details, De Zerbi said: “I don’t know, today it happened and I don’t know if tomorrow he can play.”
“I am sad for that because Joao is important for us, especially in this moment for us when Julio Enciso and Ansu Fati are not at their top condition.”
Pedro scored his first goal since returning from almost eight weeks out with the winner in last Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
It was the Brazilian’s 20th goal in what has been an impressive first campaign at the Amex since his £30 million move from Watford.
The importance of Joao Pedro to Brighton was underlined by their struggle for goals during his injury absence through February and March.
After hammering hopeless Sheffield United 5-0 in their first game without Pedro, the Albion scored only two goals of their own before beating Villa.
Lewis Dunk provided a late equaliser against Everton on February 24th and Danny Welbeck gave Brighton a shock lead at Liverpool on March 31st.
The Albion otherwise relied on own goals to earn them points. Andrew Omobamidele headed past his own goalkeeper to gift Brighton a 1-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.
Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric then let a simple back pass slide under his foot, providing an equaliser for the Seagulls at Burnley.
Congratulations to Muric on being voted April 2024 WAB Brighton Player of the Month with over 50 percent of the vote, by the way.
Maybe Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will be in a similarly generous mood at St James’ Park?
On the plus side, De Zerbi said Tariq Lamptey could play a part from the bench against the Saudi Sportswashers.
Lamptey has not been seen since the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal five weeks ago, having been in decent form before his 76th injury of the season struck.
Newcastle have some selection of their own. Fabian Schar is out whilst Kieran Trippier remains a doubt after two months on the shelf.
Fingers crossed the England international does not make it. Watching a Brighton side who cannot defend a set piece for love nor money going up against Tripper is a frightening prospect.
Equally frightening is the prospect of Darren England taking charge at St James’ Park. Mr England last refereed the Albion when Fulham won 1-0 at the Amex last February.
Those of us who enjoy keeping tabs on De Zerbi meltdowns will recall it as the afternoon the fiery Italian was shown a straight red card after the game.
“I think he’s not a good level of referee,” De Zerbi said of Mr England. “But I think the referees in the Premier League are not enough for this very important league.”
Which bodes well.
