Brighton confirm new injury worry before Arsenal clash as Fabian Hurzeler is forced into substitution
Brighton have confirmed an injury scare ahead of facing Arsenal this weekend, with summer signing Jaouen Hadjam forced off on his debut.
Hadjam, an arrival from Young Boys during the summer transfer window, was handed a start in Brighton colours for the first time on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup third round win over Manchester United.
Hadjam received treatment from the Brighton medical staff and required assistance in being helped off the pitch as he was replaced by Ferdi Kadioglu.
“Substitution, Brighton and Hove Albion. Ferdi Kadioglu replaces Jaouen Hadjam because of an injury,” a Brighton statement read.
There is yet to be an update on the 23-year-old regarding the severity of the injury, though he could be a doubt for Brighton’s next fixture at home to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
While Hadjam is yet to feature in the Premier League for the Seagulls, Fabian Hurzeler has big plans for the Algeria international.
"And Hadjam is a player who's very good with his left foot," Hurzeler said last month. “He has got a good understanding who is the free player.
“He's good at understanding to take the touch inside, to find the opposite side. He's good at crossing. He's good at attacking the box and he can be very intense out of possession.
“So a profile we wanted to have, a profile that fits our style of play."
Hadjam marked an impressive debut by claiming the assist for Charalampos Kostoulas on the stroke of half-time which kick-started Brighton’s comeback after they trailed 2-0 after just ten minutes following goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount.
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Pascal Gross got the visitors back on level terms just after the hour mark before Maxim De Cuyper scored the winning goal four minutes later to set up a Carabao Cup fourth round tie against either holders Manchester City or Norwich.