‘We all know’ – Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler responds to Joao Pedro question amid Arsenal and Liverpool transfer link
Brighton will be without star striker Joao Pedro for two more matches following his red card at Brentford.
Pedro received a straight red card during Albion’s 4-2 loss at the Gtech Community Stadium after his clash with Bees defender Nathan Collins.
The Brazilian striker missed yesterday’s clash with West Ham at the Amex Stadium and will also be unavailable for next Saturday’s home against match Newcastle and the trip to Wolves.
The former Watford man should be available once again for selection for the final two matches of the Premier League season – against Liverpool (h) and Tottenham (a).
Pedro has 10 goals and six assists for Albion this term and continues to be linked with a major summer move to Arsenal or Liverpool.
His absence is a huge blow for head coach Fabian Hurzeler as Brighton make their late push for Europe.
“We all know it’s very frustrating,” said Hurzeler. “I said it after the game that he immediately apologised, he knew that he did something wrong.
Therefore we had a discussion with him, we shared with him that we don’t accept things like this.
“But also Joao is a young player, he makes mistakes and hopefully he learns from this mistake for his future.”
Pedro joined Brighton from the Hornets in 2023 for £30m and is contracted with the Seagulls until 2028. The 23-year-old has 30 goals and 10 assists from 70 outings in total.
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Fabian Hurzeler heaped praise on young Brighton defender Charlie Tasker.
Tasker has been included in Hurzeler’s recent matchday squads but is yet to make a first team appearance for the Seagulls.
The 19-year-old right back has progressed through the youth ranks at Brighton and has made a good impression on the head coach.
Hurzeler has previously spoken on the importance of homegorwn players in the first team at Brighton and Tasker could well have a bright future with the club.
Tasker is currently behind Joel Veltman and Tariq LAmptey for the right back slot, while midfielders Jack Hinshelwood and Mats Wieffer can also fill in on the right hand side of the defence.
Lamptey – who has previously been linked with Fulham and Wolves – is out of contract this summer and widely tipped to leave the Amex Stadium in the next transfer window.
The former Chelsea man almost joined Ajax in January but stayed at Brighton due to injuries.
If Lamptey does move on this summer, it could create space for Tasker and Hurzeler feels as though he is ready.
“Every player who’s in the squad has the chance to play for us and that’s the same for Charlie,” said Hurzeler. “Charlie’s a homegrown player. He’s been here since he was six years old, he went through the academy.
“He has all the values from this club inside of his body. He has the physical basics to play in the Premier League. He has the mindset to play in the Premier League. He’s a very humble and grounded character, and we really appreciate that.
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