Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Joao Pedro will not be involved in the Seagulls’ final game of the Premier League season away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
The Brazilian attacker has been sanctioned for his part in a training-ground altercation with Jan Paul van Hecke and was also absent from the 3-2 win over reigning champions Liverpool on Monday night.
Pedro is one of five definite absentees for the Seagulls this weekend, as Georginio Rutter (foot), James Milner (thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) and Solly March (knee) are also in the care of the doctors, while Tariq Lamptey (knee) and Jason Steele (finger) are doubtful.
Hurzeler entrusted Brajan Gruda with the number 10 role against Liverpool, and the 20-year-old made his mark with the assist for Yasin Ayari‘s strike, so it would be a surprise to see him cut from the ranks.
Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck can expect to reprise their attacking roles as well, but Kaoru Mitoma‘s goal off the bench last weekend – his 10th of the Premier League season – should be enough to kick Simon Adingra out.
However, Jack Hinshelwood‘s winner vs. the Reds may not suffice for him to displace either Ayari or Carlos Baleba in midfield, or Mats Wieffer at right-back for that matter.
The latter is also keeping Joel Veltman at bay and is expected to join Van Hecke, Adam Webster and Pervis Estupinan in an unchanged backline in front of Bart Verbruggen.
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gruda, Mitoma; Welbeck
> Click here to see how Spurs could line up for this game
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