Brighton attacking duo to miss crunch clash at Aston Villa
Belgium international Leandro Trossard was ruled out before the international break with an adductor problem and missed the 0-0 stalemate against Burnley.
He sat out of Belgium's three matches during the break and stayed with Brighton to continue his recovery from injury.
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Hide AdIt was hoped Trossard would be available for Villa but Albion head coach Graham Potter confirmed Saturday could arrive too soon for the 25-year-old.
Alexis Mac Allister is also unlikely to feature. He reportedly tested positive for Covid-19, according to sources in Argentina, although this remains unconfirmed by the club.
The Albion midfielder was said to have symptoms and was self isolating and is due for another test this week ahead of Villa.
Albion’s club policy is not to comment on specific medical issues but Potter said the Argentina international is "currently unavailable."
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Hide AdThere was however better news for striker Aaron Connolly, who pulled out of Ireland's international matches after a picking up hamstring injury in midweek.
He has since been training with the first team squad and is in contention for Villa
Solly March is working his way back to full fitness after he sustained an ankle injury in the 2-1 loss at Spurs. He has also been training well this week and could return at Villa, having previously missed the draw with Burnley.
Davy Propper, who was an unused sub against Burnley, has fully recovered from an Achilles issue but remains a doubt for Aston Villa due to a stomach bug.
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Hide AdPropper has not featured for Brighton in the Premier League at all so far this season.
“Aaron and Solly were back in training this week, so there was no setback with them," said Potter.
“Leo, we are going to wait on, the game may come too soon for him.
“Davy Propper has reported a bit of stomach illness so we will see how he is.
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Hide AdAsked if Mac Allister could be involved at Villa, Potter added: "Not at the moment, no.”
Lewis Dunk returns from his three-match suspension having picked up a red card at Crystal Palace.
Potter confirmed the influential skipper will be straight back in his starting XI despite a decent defensive performance against Burnley last time out.
"There's no doubt about Lewis Dunk. He goes straight back into the team," Potter said without hesitation.