Brighton’s injury crisis has deepened, with wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra ruled out until February.
Both players suffered problems in the Seagulls’ 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace last week, Mitoma on his ankle and Adingra a hamstring strain. And manager Roberto De Zerbi is now without up to 10 players as Brighton welcome Tottenham to the Amex tonight.
‘We have 10 injured players, maybe eight but (the other) two players can’t start the game,’ he said.
‘I would like to play with the complete squad but Tottenham played a lot of games without seven, eight players and I never heard (Ange) Postecoglou cry. It’s football and we have to accept it.’
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma will be sidelined until February with an ankle injury
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are now dealing with 10 injured players during the winter period
Japan international Mitoma is a doubt for the Asian Cup, which begins on January 12, while Ivorian Adingra’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts the following day, is uncertain.
Brighton will also be without Ansu Fati, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, Solly March, Julio Enciso and Joel Veltman on Thursday against Spurs.
Left back Pervis Estupinan, who has not featured since November 9, and midfielder Adam Lallana may only be fit to return to the bench on Thursday night.
De Zerbi lost to Spurs twice in his first season in English football, with Harry Kane the match-winner on each occasion. And he is full of admiration for Postecoglou’s turnaround in north London.
‘They play great football, their style is clear – I love their style,’ said the Italian.
‘They have great players and in terms of courage, personality on the pitch, they are one of the best teams in this moment in the Premier League, in Europe.’
