Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler insists new boy Diego Gomez will need “a little bit of time” following his arrival from Inter Miami.
The Seagulls announced on December 10 that midfielder Gomez was to join them on New Year’s Day, having starred in USA alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The 21-year-old Paraguay international was one of the league’s outstanding performers during the 2024 season, but has left his superstar team-mates behind in Florida as he makes the jump to the Premier League.
Ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Arsenal, Hurzeler said: “He had now two or three weeks of holiday because in the MLS (Major League Soccer), the season has finished. So he needs for sure a little bit of time. But I am sure he is in a great shape.
“He trained hard during his holiday (from) what I heard and I am really looking forward to seeing him as quick as possible on the pitch.”
Another player not in line to be involved at the weekend is former Gunners forward Danny Welbeck, who has been out since November due to an ankle issue.
“I can’t say a clear schedule for when he will be back,” Hurzeler said of the 34-year-old, according to The Argus. “It can be next week, it can be real quick. But it can take two, three, four more weeks. He is without any pain, so that’s a really good thing. And he is back on the pitch. But we have to go day by day and hopefully he can be back soon.”
Adam Webster is in contention for a return, having not featured since October and it is hoped fellow defender Pervis Estupinan will be available after missing the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Monday.
Brighton have also had Evan Ferguson, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and James Milner sidelined.
Hurzeler’s side are currently 10th in the table after a seven-match winless run that has featured five draws, including in each of their last three games. They also drew 1-1 in August at Mikel Arteta ’s Arsenal, who are currently on a three-match winning run and second in the table.
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