Brighton and Hove Albion have been dealt some worrying injury news ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
It’s a massive clash at the Amex Stadium this weekend as Brighton host bitter rivals Crystal Palace.
While not a ‘derby’ in the traditional sense, the two clubs have a long-rooted animosity for each other.
Both fanbases would list the other as their biggest rivals, so there is little room for complacency when they meet.
Few players will know what it means to beat Palace more than Brighton’s captain, with the Seagulls rejecting an offer for Lewis Dunk in January.
But Brighton’s recent form – one Premier League win in 11 games – has seen them slip to 13th in the table.
And they will now be without midfielder Yasin Ayari for the weekend after the Swede was ruled out.
Brighton Injury News A Worry For Fabian Hurzeler
Twenty-two-year old Sweden international Ayari has become a key member of Fabian Hurzelere’s squad.
But the midfielder picked up an injury to his arm in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Everton.
Ayara had his arm in a sling after the game, and has now been ruled out of the Palace clash.
Another nomination for Yasin! He’s up for the @PFA‘s Player of the Month award…
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 5, 2026
Manager Herzeler confirmed it is not a long-term problem, but is severe enough to keep him out of action for now.
“It’s not a major issue but Yasin won’t be an option on Sunday,” said Hurzeler.
In better news, Diego Gomez is back in contention after the midfielder shook off a minor issue.
Mats Wieffer will not play as he continues to recover from a toe injury, while Jack Hinshelwood will be assessed ahead of kick-off after missing the Everton game through illness.
What Has Gone Wrong For Brighton Recently?
With just one league win in 11 games, the season is quickly unravelling for Brighton.
They have not been dreadful, but repeatedly dropped points in games they should have won.
Drawing twice to strugglers West Ham is not good enough.
The Seagulls have often controlled games, but failed to put them to bed.
Earlier in the season, Brighton’s late goals were enough to get them over the line.
“It’s painful.” Fabian’s post-match thoughts. pic.twitter.com/7oLNZi1Fm7
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 31, 2026
But riding their luck for a full season was never going to work out.
Injuries, poor finishing and questionable game management have all played a role in their recent poor run.
And the congested winter schedule has compounded problems, with games piling up and not allowing the squad time to rest and recover from injuries.
Many of Brightons losses and draws have come down to small moments and fine margins.
But while performances have been okay at times, football is a results business.
And unless things change soon, Brighton could find themselves sleepwalking into a relegation battle by the end of the season.
