Brighton's Adam Webster and Pervis Estupinan Near Return Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Brighton, winless in seven Premier League matches, hosts second-placed Arsenal on Saturday, with defenders Adam Webster and Pervis Estupinan potentially returning to boost the Seagulls' chances.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that new signing Diego Gomez will require some time to settle in before making his debut for the club. Gomez, a 21-year-old Paraguayan international midfielder, joined Brighton from Inter Miami on January 1st.

Hurzeler, 31, acknowledged that Gomez needs “a little bit of time” to adjust to his new surroundings before being considered for selection. Brighton had announced the signing of Gomez on December 10th, with the midfielder officially joining the Premier League side on New Year's Day.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has provided an update on new signing Diego Gomez ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Arsenal at the Amex Stadium. Speaking about Gomez's readiness to debut, Hurzeler said: “He had now two or three weeks of holiday because in the MLS (Major League Soccer), the season has finished. So he needs for sure a little bit of time.”

Despite the need for a transitional period, Hurzeler expressed confidence in Gomez's physical condition. “But I am sure he is in a great shape,” he added. “He trained hard during his holiday (from) what I heard and I am really looking forward to seeing him as quick as possible on the pitch.”

In other team news, Brighton will be without former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck for the match against his old club. Welbeck has been sidelined since November with an ankle issue and will not be available for selection this weekend.

“I can't say a clear schedule for when he will be back,” Hurzeler told the Brighton Argus about the 34-year-old Welbeck.

“It can be next week, it can be real quick. But it can take two, three, four more weeks.

“He is without any pain, so that's a really good thing. And he is back on the pitch. But we have to go day by day ab/nd hopefully he can be back soon.”

Brighton's defensive corps may receive a boost ahead of Saturday's match against Arsenal, as Adam Webster is in contention to return after a lengthy absence. Webster has not featured for the Seagulls since October, but his potential comeback could provide a welcome injection of experience and stability to the backline. Fellow defender Pervis Estupinan, who missed the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Monday, may also be available for selection.

Brighton currently occupies 10th place in the Premier League table, having endured a seven-match winless run. During this period, the Seagulls have drawn five matches, including their last three outings. In their previous encounter with Arsenal in August, Brighton secured a respectable 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. However, the Gunners have been in impressive form of late, boasting a three-match winning streak in the league and sitting second in the table.