Brighton handed major injury boosts ahead of Newcastle for European push

Albion have been handed a major boost in their push for European football towards the end of this season, as confirmed today by Fabian Hurzeler in his Press Conference…

In a difficult season, results have been hard to come by consistently. Injuries have proven significant, with Albion sitting second in the injury table, which includes total number of injuries this season (22) behind Arsenal (27).

Who is back?

Defenders Joel Veltman, Adam Webster, Igor, Tariq Lamptey and Jan Paul Van Hecke are all set for a return this weekend against Newcastle.

Albion have desperately missed defenders this season, with both Mats Wieffer and Jack Hinshelwood filling in at right-back during recent weeks. Veltman has been the missing man, with an expected foot injury. His return will be a huge gain for Hurzeler’s side, as a solidified defence has been hard to come by.

The returns of Igor, Webster, and Van Hecke allow a chance for Carlos Baleba to manoeuvre back into his more familiar role in the middle, even after his incredible 35-yard rocket that fired Albion into a 3-2 victory against West Ham last weekend.

Webster’s form before his recent injury was something quite remarkable as Albion ‘coincidentally’ went on a six-game winning streak in the Premier League. Taking over the armband from Lewis Dunk in commanding fashion, a contrasting reliability, the former record-signing has been plagued by injuries throughout his career at the Amex.

Japanese superstar Kaoru Mitoma is also available for selection, after a concern over his fitness as he left the field last week.