Fabian Hurzeler reveals double Brighton injury boost ahead of Chelsea showdown
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has provided positive fitness news ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 27 September, the Seagulls will be buoyed by Hurzeler’s strong record against Chelsea.
The South Coast outfit drew 2-2 with Tottenham in their last Premier League match, and will head to West London searching for just their second win of the top-flight campaign.
However, Brighton’s 6-0 win at Barnsley in the Carabao Cup will give them plenty of confidence before facing Chelsea.
Fabian Hurzeler provides ‘positive’ update on Mats Wieffer and Maxim De Cuyper
As Brighton vie for a successful Premier League season, Liverpool and Manchester United are racing to sign Carlos Baleba.
Baleba has featured in all five of the Seagulls’ top-flight games so far this campaign, and also helped them to their comprehensive win over Barnsley.
However, Hurzeler has encountered fitness issues elsewhere in his squad, with Jack Hinshelwood remaining sidelined.
The Brighton boss also revealed in his press conference on Friday, 26 September: “There’s some positive news, Mats Wieffer is back, and Maxim De Cuyper will be back. Overall, some more options regarding our full-backs, so good news.”
Brightin will not have to face Cole Palmer
While Hurzeler will be able to select Wieffer and De Cuyper against Chelsea, Blues boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be absent due to his groin injury.
Brighton will still be the underdogs when they head to Stamford Bridge.
But the West London side’s attack is significantly weaker without Palmer, who recently scored against both Brentford and Bayern Munich.
However, the Seagulls will be wary of the threat of Joao Pedro, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer transfer window before going on to notch two goals and three assists in five Premier League appearances this season.
| Joao Pedro stats | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.50 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.21 |
| Assists | 3 |
Hurzeler will hope that stars like Baleba, Kaoru Mitoma, and Georginio Rutter can inspire his side to their third victory in four meetings with Maresca’s men.
The Seagulls have not won in the Premier League since their 2-1 triumph over Manchester City on 31 August, so a victory at Stamford Bridge would give them much-needed confidence.