Fabian Hurzeler held his West Ham press conference this morning, with Albion fans eagerly awaiting news of Jan Paul van Hecke, who was stretchered off in stoppage time at Brentford after a heavy collision.
The Dutch defender will not feature against West Ham, and is still being monitored closely. Fabian Hürzeler made it clear that this isn’t a time to gamble.
“We have to be careful with his health. We can’t risk him to play this weekend,” he said.
Good news followed: “I’m sure we follow all the protocols, and then he will be back next week.” Newcastle United are Albion’s next opponents, also at the Amex.
With van Hecke out, the question is obvious: who plays alongside Lewis Dunk?
Carlos Baleba filled in at centre-back during van Hecke’s last absence, but it’s hardly a natural fit, and if he drops deep again, Brighton lose bite in midfield.
Joel Veltman is back in full training and “will be an option”, according to Hürzeler -with a smile that hinted at optimism. If he’s sharp enough to start, he could slot into central defence — freeing up Jack Hinshelwood or Mats Wieffer to cover at right-back.
Then there’s the wildcard: Eiran Cashin. Other than an unconvincing cameo, replacing Adam Wester against Aston Villa, the Irishman has been waiting in the wings since arriving from Derby in January. If ever there was a moment to hand him a first start, could this be it?
In midfield and attack, João Pedro’s suspension looms large. No need to rehash the details — we all saw it — but his absence, alongside that of Georginio, creates a problem. The likely solution? Matt O’Riley stepping into the No.10 role, utilising his vision, passing range and off-ball movement.
Brajan Gruda is another option for a start. If Hürzeler wants more unpredictability in the final third, the young German could offer a more aggressive, ball-carrying threat.
The brighter news is out wide: Kaoru Mitoma is ready to start. After a cautious few weeks, he’s fit, available, and — judging by the manager’s tone — likely to be unleashed from the off. A much-needed boost after his well-taken goal against Brentford.
All in, it’s another game where Hürzeler is managing not just a team, but a jigsaw. Balancing returning players, missing pieces, and young players on the verge — all while trying to find some fluency, and pick up three much-needed points.
We’re entering “must win” territory now, and Fabian Hürzeler needs to make that happen.
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Images courtesy of Reuters
