Forward Joao Pedro will miss Brighton’s final game of the Premier League season at Tottenham because of his involvement in a “small issue” during training.
The Brazil striker was left out of Monday’s 3-2 home win against Liverpool after reportedly being involved, external in a training ground altercation with defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The 23-year-old has scored 10 Premier League goals for the Seagulls this season but has missed their last four matches after being shown a red card during the 4-2 defeat to Brentford on 19 April.
“With Joao we had a small issue in training, the type which isn’t uncommon from time to time in all football clubs. We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed,” said head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
“Joao is an incredible football player, he’s a match-winner for us, he’s a great player and that’s why we invested in him.
“But there are principles that are non-negotiable and count for everyone – that everyone has to stick to – where we don’t make any compromises.
“Joao is still a young player. He will grow and I’m sure he will learn from this and come back stronger next season. I’m really looking forward to seeing him renewed and reinvigorated at his highest peak.”
French striker Georginio Rutter, 23, will also miss the trip to face the newly crowned Europa League winners after failing to recover from an ankle injury.
Brighton, who are eighth in the table, go into the fixture with qualification for Europe still a possibility as a result of Crystal Palace claiming a Europa League spot with their FA Cup victory.
An eighth-place finish could mean the Seagulls qualify for Europea should either Chelsea finish seventh and beat Real Betis in the Conference League final or Carabao Cup winners Newcastle drop out of the top six.
