Brighton handed huge injury blow ahead of Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool
Brighton host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night
Brighton & Hove Albion have suffered a major setback ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool, as captain Lewis Dunk is set to miss Wednesday night’s fixture at the Amex Stadium.
The Reds will head to the South Coast in midweek to continue their Carabao Cup campaign after securing a convincing 5-1 win over West Ham United in the third round.
This will be the first of two encounters between the sides this week, with Brighton also scheduled to visit Anfield for a Premier League match on Saturday.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that the Seagulls will be without their captain for at least one of these games after Dunk sustained a calf injury during the warm-up before Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Wolves last Saturday.
“It’s a small muscle issue but he is a great healer and we have to go day for day,” the German said in his pre-match press conference.
“He is keen to come back and it’s possible (to be back before the international break).
“We have to see. He is our captain he has great experience.
“He knows what he has to do against big opponents.
“But Igor (Julio) has made a great impact and made a great game.
“I’m really happy we have such defenders but if Lewis misses games it is not easy to replace him.
“He is our leader.”
Brighton will also miss defender Adam Webster on Wednesday night as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury.
Additionally, Jan Paul van Hecke has just returned to training after a groin issue.
On a positive note for the Seagulls, midfielder Jack Hinshelwood is set to make his return after missing the draw against Wolves due to a “minor issue.”
Yankuba Minteh could also be an option, having trained with the group this week.
Manager Hurzeler confirmed that striker Danny Welbeck may feature despite suffering a back injury against Newcastle earlier this month.
However, Brazil forward João Pedro remains a doubt for the match.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without several key first-team players, as Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott are both expected to be sidelined until after the November international break.
Arne Slot also confirmed on Tuesday that Federico Chiesa and Alisson Becker remain unavailable.
However, the Reds could be boosted by the potential return of Conor Bradley on Wednesday night.
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