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Brighton host Tottenham on Sunday, but have been without striker Joao Pedro since he was injured against Nottingham Forest last month
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Brighton & Hove Albion have enjoyed a promising start to the season under new boss Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls sit ninth in the table and are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with their only defeat so far this term coming via Cole Palmer's record-breaking four-goal haul at Chelsea last weekend. Next up is a Sunday afternoon clash at home to a Tottenham side that left Old Trafford with a 3-0 victory last weekend, but will Hurzeler be without striker Joao Pedro again? Joao Pedro enjoyed a fast start to the season, netting against Manchester United and Arsenal before being forced off in the first half of the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last month. The Brazilian sat out the defeat to Chelsea, with Hurzeler giving an update before the Stamford Bridge trip. "We have to go week for week with him, " said the Brighton chief. "But I don't think he will be an option for the weekend. I'm not sure how long he will be out. I think Joao is a good healer. I'm convinced he will be back soon. But of course also with this player we can't take any risks. " That was the last update given by the club, with the German set to face the media on Friday to preview the Spurs showdown and give us the latest on Pedro's fitness. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. With an international break following this round of fixtures, Hurzeler may be minded to play it safe and give the young forward more time to recover, as this is the second time he has been sidelined already this season. Summer signing Georginio Rutter proved himself an able deputy last weekend as he scored his first goal for the club since his club record £40milion summer move from Leeds United. VIDEO: Why Man United Got DESTROYED By Tottenham Brighton also have doubts over Joel Veltman, Jan Paul can Hecke, James Milner, Brajan Gruda and Simon Adingra, while Matt O'Riley and Solly March have been ruled out. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription Join now for unlimited access Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and Leeds Live among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Manchester United in discussions with Erik ten Hag, with Dutchman facing sack: report Liverpool star singled out for criticism by Italian press following Bologna victory Is Aston Villa star Amadou Onana injured this weekend? Premier League injury update Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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