Brighton sweating on fitness of key star ahead of Chelsea clash as injury issues stack up

Brighton are sweating on the fitness of one of their players ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. The Seagulls have picked up a solid nine points from their first five games, which is only one point less than the Blues.

That makes this weekend’s meeting between the two an intriguing one, and there will be plenty of eyes on Chelsea to see if they can build on their superb win and performance against West Ham on Saturday. The Blues won 3-0, while Brighton were left frustrated by a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

The Seagulls are battling a few injury issues, though, and one of those issues involved Yasin Ayari, who joined the South coast club from Blackburn Rovers back in January. Ayari has already made four Premier League appearances for Brighton this season, but he missed the weekend’s clash with Forest through illness and will remain a doubt this weekend.

Brighton coach Andrew Crofts told Sussex World: “Yasin reported a high temperature [before the Nottingham Forest match]," explained Brighton coach Andrew Crofts. "He was very poorly so it’s disappointing for him because it's a good moment for him. But he wasn’t feeling great at all. The gaffer has to make a decision on what to do next."

Ayari will be hoping to return this weekend, but much will depend on whether he shakes off his illness. Elsewhere, the Seagulls also have other absentees, with James Milner battling a hamstring injury and new signing Matt O’Riley struggling with an ankle problem. Solly March is also out with a knee problem, while Brajan Gruda is out with an unspecified issue.

Brighton will also be without head coach Fabian Hurzeler on the sideline for the Chelsea clash, with the Seagulls boss having been sent off against Forest.