Fit-again Florin Andone could make Brighton debut against Southampton, manager Chris Hughton confirms

The Romania international has been sidelined with a groin problem since arriving from Deportivo La Coruna

Ed Elliot
Thursday 13 September 2018 17:13 BST
Comments
Premier League round-up: Manchester United return to winning ways

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Summer signing Florin Andone could be in line for his Brighton debut against Southampton after recovering from injury during the international break, manager Chris Hughton has confirmed.

Andone, bought from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, featured in pre-season but has been sidelined with a groin problem.

But in a news conference Hughton revealed that the Romania forward will play for Brighton's Under-23 side on Friday ahead of Monday's Premier League trip to Southampton.

"We haven't seen enough of him," said Hughton. "He's been involved pre-season so he's not one that's been injured throughout the pre-season period but of course his time in the games has been limited.

"He'll probably play 45 minutes tomorrow night [for the Under-23 team], possibly more and then we'll made a decision [about the Southampton game]."

(Getty)

Andone's return to fitness will provide competition for in-form striker Glenn Murray and Dutch forward Jurgen Locadia.

Murray has already registered three goals this season, netting twice in Brighton's 2-2 draw with Fulham before the international break, but Hughton hopes Andone's return to fitness can keep the 34-year-old on his toes.

"He's been good Glenn but it's something we're used to," Hughton added. "He goes about his business the right way, he knows what his strengths are.

"Particularly at his age, he prepares himself and looks after himself as well as any professional and that gives him a chance.

"With Andone playing tomorrow, it gives us real good competition and I think that competition is good for all our team and particularly for our front players, and I think Glenn has benefited from that."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in