Jakub Moder injury update as telling image emerges of Brighton star ahead of Ajax

Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder looks to be nearing a return to competitive action after more than a year on a sidelines.

Moder, 24, signed for Brighton in 2020 from Lech Poznań for around £7m. He had an encouraging start to his Premier League career and was a regular in the Albion midfield under then manager Graham Potter.

The athletic 6ft 2in Poland international was an impressive performer and caught the eye with his late bursts forward from midfield. Moder was just starting to show his best form for club and country when he sustained a serious ACL knee injury on April 2, 2022 during a 0-0 home draw against Norwich.

He missed the remainder of the season, the 2022 World Cup and then the entire 2022-23 season. The former Poznań man has yet to feature under new manager Roberto De Zerbi but he is now participating in full training with the first team group and has reportedly played in behind closed door friendlies.

De Zerbi is keen to have Moder available as injuries elsewhere are starting to impact Brighton ahead of a busy fixture period. This Thursday's Europa League clash against Ajax at the Amex is expected to arrive too soon for Moder but signs of return in the coming weeks certainly look promising.

The central midfield area has been a major concern for De Zerbi as Albion adapt to life with Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, who both left last summer. It's hard to expect too much too soon from Moder but his return to full fitness is a timely boost for the Seagulls.