Brighton injury blow as 5 set to miss Newcastle United FA Cup tie
Newcastle United prepares for a crucial FA Cup fifth-round clash against Brighton and Hove Albion, with both teams dealing with significant injury concerns.
Brighton, currently enjoying a strong run of form, heads into the fixture after securing maximum points from recent home games against Chelsea and Bournemouth, along with an away victory over Southampton.
This resurgence has put them in contention for European qualification, but their immediate focus shifts to securing a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Having already eliminated Norwich City and Chelsea from the competition, the Seagulls aim to repeat their league success at St. James’ Park from earlier this season to reach the last eight for the second time in four years.
Injury setbacks, however, pose a challenge for Brighton, as several key players remain unavailable. Former Newcastle winger James Milner is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Igor Julio and Jason Steele are also nursing hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively.
Ferdi Kadioglu remains out with a toe problem, adding to the team’s selection difficulties. Meanwhile, Joel Veltman’s participation remains uncertain due to a lingering foot injury, leaving manager Fabian Hurzeler awaiting updates on defenders Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster before finalizing his squad for the crucial tie.
The Seagulls have already suffered a significant setback with the confirmed absence of captain Lewis Dunk, who continues to recover from a back injury.
His last appearance came in the previous round when Brighton secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and although his return is anticipated soon, Sunday’s fixture comes too early in his rehabilitation process.
Dunk’s leadership and defensive presence would have been vital, but Hurzeler must now find a way to compensate for his absence while ensuring his side remains competitive against Newcastle’s attacking threat.
When addressing Brighton’s injury situation, Hurzeler provided an update, confirming that no additional setbacks had arisen.
He emphasized the importance of squad balance, particularly with several players returning from injuries and others who have logged significant minutes in recent weeks.
Finding the right mix of freshness and match readiness will be key as he makes his final selection decisions. The manager acknowledged that Lamptey and Webster have been heavily relied upon due to previous injuries within the squad, meaning their physical condition will factor into the starting lineup.
Hurzeler stressed the need to field the freshest and most prepared team, recognizing the physical demands of recent fixtures and the necessity to rotate where possible.
With a congested fixture schedule and the stakes high in the FA Cup, player management becomes even more critical. Brighton’s ability to overcome injury setbacks and maintain their strong form will play a decisive role in their performance at St. James’ Park, where they look to extend their cup run against a determined Newcastle side.
The upcoming fixture holds significant weight for both teams, with Newcastle also aiming for silverware in a season filled with ups and downs.
The Magpies will look to capitalize on Brighton’s injury concerns while fielding their strongest possible lineup to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
With both clubs balancing league ambitions with cup aspirations, the clash promises to be a competitive battle, as Brighton seeks to overcome their injury troubles and Newcastle eyes another step forward in their pursuit of FA Cup glory.