Injury Strikes Brighton Ahead of Bournemouth Showdown

Brighton, England – Brighton & Hove Albion faces a challenging lineup as they prepare to host AFC Bournemouth at the AMEX Stadium on February 25, 2025. The match promises to be critical for both teams, with Brighton looking to maintain momentum following a strong run of recent performances and Bournemouth fighting for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

Brighton’s captain, Lewis Dunk, will miss the match due to a rib injury, a setback he has faced in recent weeks. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler noted that both Joel Veltman and Danny Welbeck are also doubtful for the clash. “It’s a tough situation with injuries, but we have enough depth in the squad to handle it,” Hurzeler stated. Pervis Estupiñán, who returned as a substitute in a recent game after recovering from injury, could start against Bournemouth, providing some much-needed defensive stability.

AFC Bournemouth comes into the match after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, complicating their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Manager Andoni Iraola’s squad will be without defender Illia Zabarnyi, who is starting a three-match suspension after receiving a red card in the Wolves game. Brazilian striker Evanilson, returning from a metatarsal fracture, was an unused substitute in that game, but he could be a game-changer moving forward.

The head-to-head statistics between Brighton and Bournemouth highlight a competitive rivalry. In the last six meetings, Bournemouth has won three, while Brighton has claimed two victories. The teams’ most recent encounter concluded with Brighton securing a 3-1 win on September 24, 2023. Current league positions reflect Bournemouth’s slight edge, sitting sixth with 43 points, while Brighton is close behind in ninth with 40 points.

Kick-off for the match is set for 7:30 PM UK time, with significant viewing options available for fans across various platforms. Although the match is not televised in the U.S., it will be available online in the UK via the TNT Sports app.

Both teams have been focusing on their approaches leading into this match. Brighton is eager to circle back toward European qualification, leveraging their impressive record against Chelsea in recent outings. Meanwhile, Bournemouth aims to recover from recent setbacks, hoping to implement their aggressive, high-press strategy to regain control of the game.

With the stakes high, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at the AMEX Stadium. Hurzeler’s optimism amidst injury challenges and Iraola’s intent to return to winning form sets the stage for what should be an action-packed south coast derby.