Carlos Baleba has added to Brighton & Hove Albion’s injury problems after only making the bench for the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.
A knee problem prevented the 20-year-old Cameroon midfielder from making his ninth appearance out of 10 matches in the Premier League this season.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “Carlos had an issue with his knee. He would have been a starter, but in the end it was the right decision not to take any risks.
“He is a very young player. He has played a lot of games now. We have to take care of the health of the players, especially at a young age. They are playing for their countries, they are pushing in every game. It is our responsibility as a club to protect the players at the right moment.”
Jack Hinshelwood returned to the starting line-up from a calf injury in place of Baleba.
Hinshelwood’s midfield partner Yasin Ayari was substituted in the second half after sustaining a left ankle injury.
The Sweden international was limping heavily as he left the pitch at the end of the match at Anfield.
Hurzeler said: “I didn’t speak to him after the game. He’s a ruthless player, very resilient, so hopefully it is nothing bad.”
Lewis Dunk, Yankuba Minteh, Adam Webster, James Milner, Joao Pedro, Matt O’Riley and Solly March are all either sidelined by injuries or have just returned to training and are not yet match-fit.
Brighton face Manchester City at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
