Brighton & Hove Boss Reveals Reason Behind Balogun's Omission For Festive Games

Published: January 02, 2020

Leon Balogun is in contention to play his first game for Brighton & Hove this decade when they tackle Sheffield Wednesday in the Emirates FA Cup at the American Express Community Stadium this weekend.

It has come to light that the central defender was not available for selection during the festive programme due to illness.

Having said that, Balogun could be forced to depart the Seagulls before the expiration of his contract as he has found game time difficult to come by whether he's fit or not.

You have to go back to December 26, 2018 to find the last time the Nigeria international last played in the English Premier League, a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in which he went the distance.

Providing an injury update ahead of Saturday's tie against the Owls, Brighton manager Graham Potter said in his pre-match press conference : "Leon Balogun is fit and comes into contention. He was sick over Christmas which is why he wasn’t involved but he has been training.

"There is a chance Solly March could be involved in the group on Saturday".

Former Mainz, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Werder Bremen man Balogun has entered the final six months of his contract with Brighton.

Igho Kingsley