Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed he won’t take any risks with the fitness of Joao Pedro ahead of Thursday night’s Premier League game against Ipswich.
The Brazil international scored his side’s equaliser from the penalty spot against Arsenal a fortnight ago but wasn’t in the matchday squad for Saturday’s FA Cup win at Norwich.
Veteran forward Danny Welbeck made his return against the Canaries and could lead the line at Portman Road, although Hurzeler hasn’t ruled out Pedro at this stage.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: ‘We have to see today. He’s training with the team and then we can decide if we’ll take the risk to play him [against Ipswich].
‘What’s most important is how the player feels. We won’t do any stupid things, we have to wait until after the training session.
‘He hasn’t been able to get into his rhythm but I spoke to him yesterday for a long time and he’s in a comfortable place. He’s enjoys it here and he’s happy with his performances.
‘Of course he would want to be on the pitch for every game, but sometimes your body doesn’t want the same thing so you have to adapt.
‘We can’t forget that he’s still a very young player.’
Brighton, meanwhile, also have defensive headaches to contemplate with centre-half Igor ruled out for the rest of the season.
‘Lewis [Dunk] will be back and he’s training today. Adam Webster and Jan Paul van Hecke are also available. Those are the three centre-backs that are available,’ said Hurzeler.
‘Igor Julio is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury that needed surgery. It’s a really big thing.’