Brighton boss updates Joao Pedro injury ahead of Liverpool clash

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler revealed that Joao Pedro has returned to first-team training and may be included in Saturday’s match against Liverpool.

The Brighton striker had a strong start to the season, scoring goals in the first three games against Arsenal and Manchester United.

But since the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in September, the Brazilian has not been included on his team’s squad.

Joao Pedro sustained a serious ankle injury after a heavy challenge from Morgan Gibbs-White but is now resuming full fitness.

Brighton travel to Anfield on Saturday and Huzeler is hopeful that the striker can play a part in the match.

‘We have to see – he is coming back after a long injury – if he will be an option,’ the German said in his pre-match press conference. ‘But he is back in training.’

Summer signing Matt O’Riley is also back in training after suffering an injury just nine minutes into his debut in August.

‘Matt O’Riley is back in training,’ Hurzeler said of the Dane. ‘We have to see when he will be ready for potential playing in the squad.’

Lewis Dunk has not been ruled out of a return at centre-half, but the game is expected to come too soon for James Milner and Adam Webster.

Brighton fell to a 3-2 home defeat against Liverpool on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup but face a short turnaround before they face Arne Slot’s side again in the league.

The game will be Hurzeler’s first experience of an Anfield atmsophere and it’s an afternoon the German is relishing.

‘It is not on my bucket list to manage there but it will be a great experience, for sure. I am really looking forward to the atmosphere there,’ he said.

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