MX23RW : Tuesday, October 30 02:04:29

Brighton can cope without Glenn Murray, says boss Hughton

Brighton can cope without Glenn Murray, says boss Hughton
© Reuters
Brighton will make a late decision on Murray’s inclusion against Wolves after he was knocked unconscious last weekend.

Chris Hughton insists Brighton have sufficient firepower to cope without top scorer Glenn Murray.

Murray has hit five goals in eight Premier League starts this season but is a serious doubt for the clash with Wolves after being knocked unconscious at Newcastle last weekend.

The 35-year-old was carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask at St James’ Park before receiving hospital treatment.

He has returned to training this week but may be left out as a precaution on Saturday, which could mean a rare opportunity for Jurgen Locadia or Florin Andone.

“We’ll need to make a decision on Glenn Murray,” said manager Hughton at his pre-match press conference, according to Brighton’s website.

“What you have to do is go through a correct protocol during the week. We’ve done that and at this moment he feels fine in regards to the actual knock itself.

“It’s important to have your players fit for every game, but what I never want to do is take anything away from the squad and the other strikers that we have.

“Glenn has been super for us this season and his goal record since he’s been here says that. But we’ve got competition in the squad. When somebody misses a game it’s a really good opportunity for somebody else. That’s how it always has to be.”

Dutch striker Locadia has struggled for action since his January move from PSV Eindhoven, making just four league starts.

Romania international Andone, signed in the summer from Deportivo La Coruna, is still awaiting his top-flight debut following a recent injury.

Albion continue to have problems in the centre of the field, with influential Holland midfielder Davy Propper and creative German Pascal Gross still sidelined with ankle problems.

Hughton is satisfied with his side’s return of 11 points from nine fixtures – which have included games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City – but feels they are capable of more.

“I don’t think we deserve to have more, we’re probably in the right place for the performances we’ve had,” he said.

“I thought we were very good against (Manchester) United, Liverpool away as well.

“Our performances have been OK, we can improve but I think we’re about right.

“We’ve played four of the top six in this group of games and also played more away games than home games.

“I’d say I’m happy but there’s still more to come. I don’t think we deserve more than what we’ve got at the moment.”


Check out our page for Brighton & Hove Albion

Share this article now:

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City108202732426
2Liverpool108202041626
3Chelsea107302471724
4Arsenal1071224131122
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs10703168821
6Bournemouth106221912720
7Watford106131612419
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd105231717017
9Everton104331614215
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1043399015
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104241113-214
12Leicester CityLeicester104151616013
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham10226915-68
14Crystal Palace10226713-68
15Burnley102261021-118
16Southampton10145614-87
17Cardiff CityCardiff10127923-145
18Fulham101271128-175
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle10037614-83
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield10037421-173

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account