Brighton injury blow: Carlos Baleba faces spell on the sidelines

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season training, dealing a blow to the club's preparations for the 2026-27 campaign. The Cameroon international was noticeably absent from Brighton’s recent 4-3 friendly victory over Strasbourg.

The club's medical staff are currently assessing the 22-year-old to determine a specific rehabilitation timeline. While the injury is a setback, Brighton remain hopeful that the issue will not result in a long-term absence for the midfielder.

This injury creates a tactical challenge for manager Fabian Hurzeler ahead of a demanding start to the competitive season. Brighton are set to play the first leg of their Conference League qualifier on August 20, followed by a Premier League opener against Aston Villa on August 23.

Baleba was a standout performer last term, racking up 31 league appearances following his move from Lille in 2023. Although the club has been active in the transfer market, adding players like Pascal Struijk and Costinha to the squad, replacing Baleba's specific brand of physicality and defensive coverage remains a significant task for the coaching staff.