The Brighton boss has confirmed a serious injury ahead of the weekend clash with Newcastle United

BRIGHTON will be without star striker Joao Pedro for Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Pedro suffered an ankle injury during the draw against Nottingham Forest last month, but it was hoped the Brazilian would complete his recovery during the international break.

However, Pedro has failed to return to training, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirming in his pre-match press conference that the striker will not be part of the Newcastle squad.

Georginio Rutter has recovered from the blow he suffered in the win over Tottenham ahead of the international break, while Jon Paul van Hecke has completed his recovery from injury and will partner Lewis Dunk at the heart of Brighton’s back four this weekend.

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However, former Newcastle midfielder James Milner remains unavailable due to injury, with Hurzeler set to make a late decision over Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso, both of whom have been on international duty in South America for the past two weeks.

Hurzeler said: “We are still waiting for players returning from international duty: Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso. But there are currently no known problems.

“Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Riley are for the longer term, but JP van Hecke is back in contention.”