Brighton & Hove Albion’s record signing Georginio Rutter will miss Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Amex Stadium due to being cup-tied.
Rutter, 22, joined Brighton from Leeds United in a £40m summer transfer and has made two appearances for the Seagulls, including his home debut against Ipswich Town last Saturday. The French striker impressed in the 0-0 draw, but his effort from the edge of the box was denied by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Rutter’s absence comes as a blow to manager Fabian Huerzeler, who praised the striker’s adaptability and confidence. “Everybody gave me a warm welcome here,” Rutter said after his home debut. “I try to be positive and have a good adaptation. It’s the Premier League, a different intensity. I try to do my best in training and on the pitch.”
Rutter’s cup tie status stems from his 63rd-minute substitute appearance for Leeds in their 3-0 first-round loss to Middlesbrough. He will hope to return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
In Rutter’s absence, Brighton boss Huerzeler is expected to make several changes for the Wolves clash. Striker Evan Ferguson may make his first start of the season, while defenders Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, Igor Julio, and Pervis Estupinan could feature. New signing Brajan Gruda may debut, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who impressed off the bench against Ipswich, is poised for his first start.
Midfielder Mats Wieffer is also in line to return from injury, providing a boost to Brighton’s midfield options. The German’s return will be welcomed by Huerzeler, who faces a challenging task in rotating his squad while maintaining momentum.
Brighton’s Carabao Cup campaign has been relatively successful in recent years, with the Seagulls reaching the quarterfinals in 2020. However, progression to the next round will require a strong team performance against Wolves.
Wolves, who have struggled in the Premier League this season, will view the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to revive their campaign. Brighton must be wary of their opponents’ threat, particularly given the absence of Rutter.
Possible Brighton XI:
Sanchez; Lamptey, Webster, Julio, Estupinan; Wieffer, Caicedo; Kadıoğlu, Ferguson, Mitoma; Gruda
Injury News:
Mats Wieffer (returning from injury)
Cup-Tied:
Georginio Rutter
Up Next:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Sunday, [Date], Amex Stadium
The Seagulls will seek to advance in the Carabao Cup without their record signing, relying on squad depth to overcome Wolves. With key players returning from injury and new signings eager to impress, Brighton remains confident in their ability to secure a positive result.
Huerzeler’s squad rotation will be crucial in maintaining momentum, and the German manager will hope to strike the right balance between experience and youth. As Brighton navigates the challenges of the Carabao Cup, their Premier League ambitions remain paramount.
Rutter’s absence may prove a blessing in disguise, allowing other players to step up and showcase their talents. Brighton’s response to this setback will define their season, and Wednesday’s clash against Wolves presents an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and depth.