Alious
Brighton & Hove Albion have been dealt a significant setback in their run-in to the end of the season, with record signing Georginio Rutter now facing the possibility of missing the remainder of the campaign. The £40 million acquisition from Leeds United sustained an ankle injury during the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Nottingham Forest and has already sat out league fixtures against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Leicester City.
The Seagulls have noticeably struggled in his absence, collecting just a single point from their last three outings. Rutter, who has tallied eight goals and five assists in 33 appearances this term, was seen in a protective boot while supporting his team from the sidelines during their recent draw against Leicester. His involvement this weekend against Brentford has been ruled out, and hopes of a return before the season concludes are quickly fading.
“Yeah, unfortunately he’s still in the boot,” admitted head coach Fabian Hürzeler to *Sussex World*. “But I think he will be out of the boot as soon as possible and hopefully we see him again this season.” While the German manager remained cautiously optimistic, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Rutter’s comeback: “Can’t say it now. Georginio surprised me since day one. So maybe he surprises me one more time.”
With Rutter sidelined, Matt O’Riley has stepped into the spotlight. The £25 million summer arrival from Celtic has started Brighton’s last two Premier League matches and is poised to continue his run in the starting XI against Brentford. Hürzeler believes this is O’Riley’s moment to make a lasting impact.
“I think it’s now his time,” said Hürzeler. “He has a big opportunity to show his potential… he has a great understanding of the game, especially in possession.” The coach highlighted areas for improvement, particularly O’Riley’s defensive play and physicality in duels, but praised his attitude and work ethic: “He has a great character… and I think now it’s the time.”
There is some positive news for Brighton fans ahead of the Brentford clash. Star winger Kaoru Mitoma is fit again after recovering from a heel issue that kept him out against Leicester. The Japan international’s return marks his first missed match of the season. Defensive reinforcements are also on the horizon, with Jan Paul van Hecke, Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, and Igor Julio all progressing in their respective rehabs and expected to resume training shortly.
Hürzeler struck an optimistic tone heading into the Easter weekend: “The big word today is positivity. Kaoru is back, JP is back… and we have a lot of players close to returning.” He also hinted at potential late-season returns for experienced duo James Milner and Ferdi Kadioglu, adding, “There is a chance.”
As Brighton push for a strong finish, Rutter’s absence will be keenly felt — but opportunity now knocks for others, with O’Riley at the forefront of the Seagulls’ creative hopes.
Alious
