Brighton boss Graham Potter has been speaking to the press on the south coast ahead of his side’s trip up to St James’ Park on Sunday.
He confirms that highly-rated centre-back Ben White and summer signing Adam Lallana are both back in training, but will face late fitness over the weekend after limping off in their 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Monday.
Elsewhere, Potter has praised our ‘impressive’ display at West Ham last Saturday and has picked out Andy Carroll for special praise – believing he and Callum Wilson are going to form a ‘strong partnership’ up top this season.
Here’s what he’s had to say, via The Argus:
“It’s impressive, the business they have done. They have improved the squad.
“They have players like Carroll and Shelvey, and have added quality.
“At the weekend, they were impressive.”
“I was really impressed with Andy Carroll against West Ham, they used him well.
“Everyone knows what Carroll brings to the team physically and aerially.
“Him and Wilson will be a strong partnership.
“They have Saint-Maximin too!”
With him rested in the midweek win over Blackburn, Carroll will almost certainly start against Brighton on Sunday, making for an interesting battle against their three big centre-backs Dunk, Webster and White.
That said, it remains to be seen if the latter will be fully fit to start, with he and Adam Lallana touch and go after only just returning to training today:
“White will train today. Like Lallana, he has a chance for Newcastle.
“We will make a decision as late as we can to give him time.”
“Stephens’ exit (vs Chelsea on Monday) was precautionary due to muscle tightness. Will be available for Sunday. “
Potter also confirmed that Dutch international midfielder Davy Propper was back with the group but not yet fit enough to face Newcastle this weekend, meaning Stephens and Bissouma should start once again in the middle of the park.
A talented side who keep the ball well, but hopefully we can have that bit of extra cutting edge against a side we drew 0-0 with in both meetings last season!
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