The injury news Brighton fans didn't want to hear ahead of Liverpool

Albion have impressed since the restart but they have done so without the the talents of Steven Alzate.

The Colombian international enjoyed a fine breakthrough season under head coach Graham Potter but he has been unavailable since the restart due to an ongoing groin issue.

Alzate, 21, was scheduled for an operation back in March but that was postponed as he was displaying symptoms of coronavirus.

Unfortunately rest hasn't solved the nagging injury and the club will make a decision shortly on when to book the midfielder in for a minor operation.

It's a disappointing end to an encouraging first season in the top flight. He made his debut at Newcastle last September and has made 19 appearances, 12 of which in the starting XI.

Alzate's composure and ability to play in a variety of positions has been a huge plus for Albion and last month Potter said his development has been one of the most pleasing aspects of his first year in charge.

It's highly unlikely Alzate will feature against the champions and the injury could well bring a premature end to his season.

“We are monitoring him daily, his situation," said Potter. “He’s the one we are probably going to have to take some decisions on over the next couple of days.

“Even in training he looked like he was struggling a bit. He is probably the one who is suffering a bit at the moment.”

Jose Izquierdo is the other injury problem. The Colombian has not played for more than 12 months because of a serious knee problem and continues his recover back home in Colombia.

Adam Webster recovered from a hamstring injury sustained at Leicester and successfully played 90 minutes during the vital 1-0 win at Norwich last Saturday.

Tariq Lamptey continued his good form at Norwich and will hope to keep his spot at right back to face Liverpool.

Albion are nine points above the relegation places with five matches to go.

“We still need to keep fighting all the way," Potter added. “We’ve taken seven points from four games after lockdown. It’s a decent return. It’s amazing what points can do for morale.

“We’ve only had four defeats in 2020. But we still want to get points.

"We’re not celebrating the bigger picture. We know we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

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