Team news for Brighton clash

The Sweden centre-half has not taken to the pitch since our final pre-season match against Liverpool in South Carolina, where he played 45 minutes before being taken off as a precaution.

Speaking to the media before our trip to Sussex, the manager confirmed that Lindelof would not be part of our matchday squad due to a problem with his toe.

The Reds are already without left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, while summer signing Leny Yoro is expected to be absent for a further two months due to a broken metatarsal.

Striker Ramus Hojlund also remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury.

However, Ten Hag’s defensive options were bolstered by the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui just days before our 2024/25 Premier League campaign began against Fulham. Both players featured in a 1-0 win, secured thanks to a late winner from another debutant, Joshua Zirkzee.

“There is no confusion [about Lindelof], he has an issue on his toe,” began the boss.

“So hopefully he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend. Where as also we have some more [issues], Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund. They are not available as well. Luke Shaw, of course.”

BRIGHTON’S TEAM NEWS

It’s all positive for the Seagulls, meanwhile, who beat Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park in their opening league fixture. Manager Fabian Hurzeler has revealed Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey and Evan Ferguson have all returned to training.

“We have to wait now to see how their rehabilitation continues and how they adapt to the intensity,” he said at a press conference. “Then we will see if they are an option for the squad but I am very happy that these three players are back.”

Furthermore, impressive new signing Yankuba Minteh has recovered from a head injury sustained on his competitive debut last weekend.

Brajan Gruda and Georginio Rutter, a big-money buy from Leeds United, may make their first appearances.  “He has integrated fast into the group, which is the main thing,” commented Hurzeler.

Bart Verbruggen and Solly March are still sidelined, though.