Brighton have been without long-term absentee Jakub Moder for months but Adam Webster and Danny Welbeck have been on the sidelines recently as well, and now the Albion have another concern.
The Albion were unable to call upon the injured Adam Webster and Danny Welbeck for the Saints clash on Boxing Day at St Mary’s and now Moises Caicedo will miss the Gunners game on December 31 due to suspension.
The 21-year-old had four yellow cards going into the Southampton encounter and after picking up a booking for a foul on Sekou Mara, he will serve a one-match ban after registering his fifth caution of the campaign within the first 19 matches.
After the win over Saints, the Italian head coach vented his frustration at the Caicedo incident.
“I am happy because we won the game and we played very well. I’m angry only for the yellow card for Moises Caicedo because he can’t play [in the next game]. But for my players in terms of quality of play I am very happy,” De Zerbi told Amazon Prime after the game.
Incidentally, Zerbi would not be able to call upon the service of the world cup winners Alexis Mac Allister as he’s not expected to be back until Jan 3rd. He has been a standout performer for the Seagulls so far this season, scoring five goals in 14 Premier League appearances.
It remains to be seen if Welbeck will be fit to take on Mikel Arteta’s men after missing the last match due to injury.
Speaking on Friday ahead of the Southampton fixture, the 43-year-old said:
Adam Webster and Danny Welbeck are unable to play on Monday. Welbeck, maybe against Arsenal, but I’m unsure for Webster,” said De Zerbi.
Webster seems a doubt to make the Arsenal game but Welbeck could be involved in some capacity – although it may be prudent to give him more time to recover from his injury. While Jakub Moder (ACL) is still out.
