Gross and Milner out injured for Newcastle v Brighton | OneFootball

Brighton will be without Pascal Gross and James Milner for the trip to Newcastle, both sidelined through injury. According to WeAreBrighton.com, Fabian Hurzeler said the pair were “very close” to recovering, yet they will not feature.

Milner has now missed six weeks, last playing in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on 21 March. Hurzeler initially labelled it a minor injury, a description treated warily after last season kept him out for nine months.

Gross is dealing with a small issue, Hurzeler said in his Friday press conference, though previous timelines have tested patience. Hopes of swift returns are being met with caution.

Losing both is a blow. Brighton’s surge, six wins from eight, began when Hurzeler paired them in midfield, adding experience ahead of the back four.

In their absence, Hurzeler is likely to turn to Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari as holding players. Baleba impressed in the 3-0 win over Chelsea last time out, dominating midfield and resembling last season’s form.

Mats Wieffer, forced off at half time against Chelsea with an ankle problem, has trained all week and is fit for Newcastle. Diego Gomez is still out with the knee injury from the 2-2 draw at Spurs, with Hurzeler expecting him back before season’s end.

Hurzeler would not be drawn on the futures of Milner, Joel Veltman, Solly March and Adam Webster, whose deals expire in two months. On Webster, he prioritised a quick return so he can continue his career.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com