“Brighton Set to Welcome Back Key Wingers for Clash Against Newcastle After International Break”
Brighton are set to welcome back two key players ahead of their match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park after the international break.
The Seagulls, currently sixth in the Premier League, have been without wingers Solly March and Brajan Gruda for the entire season, but both are expected to be available for the October 19 clash.
March, 29, has been sidelined for nearly a year after suffering an ACL injury against Manchester City last season. He recently played in an under-21 game against Crystal Palace and came close to being included in the squad for the 3-2 victory over Tottenham just before the break.
Gruda, who was signed by Brighton this summer for £25 million from Mainz, made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in the win over Spurs, replacing former Newcastle player Yankuba Minteh.
The Germany under-21 international adds depth to manager Hurzeler’s attacking options, leaving the coach with a decision to make regarding the right wing position against Newcastle. Minteh, who joined Brighton from Newcastle this summer for £30 million, is likely to start after his goal against Tottenham, but Gruda, March, and Simon Adingra are also vying for the spot.
On the left wing, Japan international Kaoru Mitoma will look to maintain his strong form, continuing his partnership with in-form striker Danny Welbeck, who has already scored four goals this season.
Welbeck has earned praise from Mitoma, who said on the Albion website, “Danny played for top clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal when I was younger, and I have a lot of respect for him. I feel comfortable playing alongside him, and we communicate a lot during matches. We understand each other well on the pitch, and if we keep playing like this, we can create even more goals. We also have many talented players, so I try to keep them in mind during games.”