Brighton will be without Yasin Ayari for their showdown with Crystal Palace this weekend.
The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls this season, starting 18 of the Seagulls’ Premier League matches.
With a haul of two goals and two assists in his last four appearances, he has been one of Brighton’s in-form players but picked up a knock during last weekend’s draw with Everton.
Ayari was later seen leaving the Amex wearing a sling, prompting fears he could be facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Fabian Hurzeler has played down fears over a long-term absence but confirmed his midfielder will have no role to play against Palace this weekend.
‘Yasin Ayari is unfortunately out for the game,’ the Brighton boss said.
‘He had a small shoulder issue [picked up against Everton], it’s nothing big but for this game he will be out.’
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Brighton will be boosted by the return of Diego Gomez.
Mats Wieffer remains absent but is edger closing to full fitness.
Brighton head into the weekend sat in 12th place, two points above arch-rivals Crystal Palace who endured a January to forget.
Palace will have Adam Wharton back from suspension following his red card against Chelsea and could also hand a debut to new striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The 25-year-old joined Palace for a club record deal worth up to £48million, arriving from Wolves on transfer deadline day.