Brighton & Hove Albion’s latest addition Diego Gomez is set for a potential start as the Seagulls prepare for their FA Cup third round clash against Norwich City this Saturday.
The Paraguayan midfielder, who joined the club from Inter Miami for a fee of £12 million on January 1, was unable to make the squad for last week’s draw against Arsenal at the stadium Amex due to fitness issues. However, the clash at Carrow Road presents a promising opportunity for him.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed his excitement about Gomez’s potential, saying: “When I saw him running during our training sessions, I said to myself: ‘What a beast!’ His intensity on the pitch is remarkable, and he has demonstrated it in MLS.”
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“This league has its own challenges and style, but what we really need is this level of physicality. It’s crucial for us. Look at our previous meeting with Aston Villa; they are one of the teams “We have to rise to the occasion in these personal battles, and Gomez brings exactly that attitude. I firmly believe he will improve his game here with us.”
Gomez adds depth to Hurzeler’s midfield options, especially with several players recovering. Mats Wieffer suffers a knock, while Ferdi Kadioglu has a toe injury. James Milner and Jack Hinshelwood are also out with hamstring and knee problems, respectively.
Additionally, the manager hopes captain Lewis Dunk will be able to train fully this week after missing the match against the Gunners with a calf problem. Currently, only Adam Webster and Jan Paul van Hecke are available as experienced defenders, following Igor Julio’s hamstring injury, which could sideline him for months.
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This FA Cup match could also be an opportunity for young Northern Ireland international defender Ruairi McConville to make his first team debut for Brighton.
Meanwhile, experienced striker Danny Welbeck returned to training this week after missing four matches with a foot injury.
