Joao Pedro was forced off in Brighton’s defeat to Luton (Shutterstock)
Joao Pedro will undergo further tests after suffering a knee injury during Brighton’s 4-0 defeat to Luton Town on Tuesday evening.
Brighton delivered a woeful performance at Kenilworth Road as a hat-trick from Elijah Adebayo, plus a goal from Chiedozie Ogbene, sealed the win for Luton who are now a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
Roberto De Zerbi was dealt another blow in the second half as Joao Pedro was forced off in the 71st minute after coming off worse in a challenge for the ball.
The 22-year-old, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, is now in a race to be fit for Brighton’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
‘You can explain the game from Joao Pedro’s injury, because his injury was caused by frustration,’ De Zerbi said after Brighton’s defeat.
‘We have to be able to accept defeat and to lose the game with dignity.
‘It’s too early to say, but we hope it’s not a bad injury because we need him.’
Brighton will be looking to bounce back against Crystal Palace on Saturday (Reuters)
De Zerbi, meanwhile, is confident that his players can provide a response to their poor performance in their derby against Palace at the Amex Stadium at the weekend.
‘We have to remember this day because we can learn a lot,’ De Zerbi said.
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‘We are all responsible but I believe we can learn a lot. We didn’t play. We lost the duels, we lost the second ball.
‘Will we respond? I believe in my players. Today, more than other days. I believe in the people in my dressing room. We are suffering for this result, more than people can think. But we have to be able to start Thursday and forget today.’
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