A persistent back injury casts a shadow over Danny Welbeck’s availability for Brighton & Hove Albion’s upcoming clash against Sunderland. Manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the 35-year-old forward remains a doubt, a situation that adds complexity to team selection this Saturday.
Welbeck, who previously played for Sunderland, has been battling this back issue for weeks. He was held to a substitute role during Brighton’s recent 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, a clear indication of the discomfort he’s experiencing.
Despite the ongoing problem, Welbeck has participated in training sessions this week, offering a glimmer of hope. Hurzeler acknowledged the player’s resilience, stating Welbeck is capable of “incredible things,” but cautioned that a full recovery hasn’t been achieved.
The manager described the injury as “minor issues with his back,” but emphasized it continues to limit Welbeck’s participation in training. The decision on whether to include him in the starting lineup will be a late one, dependent on his condition.
Brighton will face a further setback with the confirmed absence of captain Lewis Dunk. A suspension will keep the key defender sidelined, a loss Hurzeler readily admitted is “a big, big miss” for the team.
However, Hurzeler expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, asserting that other players are prepared to step up and fill Dunk’s role. He emphasized a strong belief in the ability of those replacements to maintain the team’s performance level.
The team now focuses on preparing for Saturday’s match, navigating these injury concerns and aiming to secure a positive result against Welbeck’s former club.
