Brighton have been handed a fresh injury concern ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal after Jaouen Hadjam was forced off during their Carabao Cup victory at Manchester United.
The summer signing started for Brighton at Old Trafford but required treatment before being helped from the pitch around 15 minutes from time.
Hadjam was replaced by Ferdi Kadioglu after appearing to pick up a knock, leaving Fabian Hürzeler with another fitness issue to assess before Arsenal arrive at the Amex.
The development comes after Brighton produced a dramatic 3-2 comeback at Manchester United, a result we have already examined in our opponent-watch piece ahead of Arsenal’s trip to the south coast.
Jaouen Hadjam Injury Creates Brighton Doubt
Hadjam was making his first Brighton start after joining from Young Boys during the summer transfer window.
His performance had been encouraging before the injury.
The left-back supplied the pass for Charalampos Kostoulas to score Brighton’s first goal just before half-time, beginning the comeback from 2-0 down.
Brighton’s official match report from Old Trafford confirmed Hadjam started the tie before being replaced by Kadioglu in the closing stages.
There has not yet been confirmation of the severity of the problem.
That makes Hadjam a doubt rather than a confirmed absentee for Arsenal.
Hürzeler had previously spoken positively about the qualities Hadjam could bring to Brighton, highlighting his ability on the ball, crossing and intensity without possession. Those comments were reported after the defender’s summer arrival and underline why his fitness could matter despite his limited Premier League minutes so far.
Brighton Already Managing Several Absentees
Hadjam’s problem adds to a Brighton squad already managing a number of injuries.
Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Stefanos Tzimas, Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer and Evan Ferguson have all recently been unavailable, while Femi Azeez has also been monitored closely.
Brighton’s own team-news update before their Carabao Cup trip to Manchester United confirmed that Georginio Rutter was expected to return while Azeez was being assessed on a daily basis.
Rutter subsequently returned to the matchday squad at Old Trafford.
That means Brighton’s injury picture is not entirely negative, but Hadjam has now created a fresh question for Hürzeler before Saturday.
Arsenal Have Fitness Issues of Their Own
Arsenal are also waiting on several defenders.
William Saliba remains sidelined, while Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera have both been carrying problems.
Jurriën Timber was left out of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich as Mikel Arteta continued to manage his return carefully.
Our latest Arsenal injury news before Brighton contains the developing picture ahead of Saturday’s match.
The fitness situation on both sides could influence how each manager approaches the game.
Arsenal’s predicted XI for Brighton will also depend heavily on whether Arteta receives positive news on Timber, White and his other defensive options.
Hürzeler Facing Selection Decision Before Arsenal
Kadioglu would appear the most obvious alternative if Hadjam is unavailable.
The Turkey international replaced him at Old Trafford and has considerably more experience within Hürzeler’s system.
Brighton also made six changes against Manchester United, meaning several regular Premier League starters should return refreshed for Arsenal.
That is significant after Hürzeler praised his team’s belief and structure following the Old Trafford comeback.
Speaking in his post-match assessment on Brighton’s official website, the head coach said his side continued trusting their approach despite falling two goals behind.
Arsenal therefore still face a difficult test regardless of Hadjam’s availability.
However, his injury is another selection issue Brighton must resolve before Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.
A clearer picture should emerge when Hürzeler provides his final team-news update.
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