Lallana update ahead of away trips

Graham Potter continues to take a cautious path with Brighton’s experienced midfielder Adam Lallana.

Lallana, 33, started in midfield in Albion’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth round loss at Tottenham on Saturday night but was replaced at halftime for experienced Dutch international Joel Veltman.

It was Lallana’s first outing since tweaking a hamstring during the 1-1 draw against old rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium on January 14.

“We were planning for 60 [minutes] maximum for Adam,” said Potter after the Tottenham loss.”[It was] just tactical and protecting him to make sure he is available for the weekend.”

Potter will also hope to have the talents of Alexis Mac Allister and Leo Trossard. Both missed the loss in north London and Albion missed their creative spark.

“We have had a bit of illness and a bit of covid around,” explained the head coach. “So that impacted him, Alexis [Mac Allister] and Danny Welbeck. It has been one of those weeks for us. Hopefully they will be back and available for us ahead of Watford.”