Brighton forward Danny Welbeck looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United player scored the only goal of the game to give the Seagulls victory at St James’ Park.
It was his 100th goal involvement (72 goals, 28 assists) in his 341st Premier League outing, but he left the game on a stretcher following a collision.
Welbeck went down with a back injury late on and was taken off the pitch in the 81st minute after being tended to by staff during a lengthy pause in the contest.
It’s a huge setback for Brighton ahead of facing Wolves next week and two encounters with Liverpool in the League Cup and Premier League. The striker was on a great run of form, having scored five goals and assisted another in eight top-flight matches this season.
After the final whistle manager Fabian Hurzeler said he could not provide an update on Welbeck’s condition.
“I think he got a knee in his lower back,” the German told BBC Match of the Day. “Let’s wait until later, until tomorrow, then we’ll know more.
“We defended together. In the end, defence wins Championships. We got smashed against Chelsea but we learnt from it. Not everything was perfect today, we have to be honest with ourselves. But the luck will come to you if you work for it.
“We have a lot of injuries, we always have to adjust things. But the guys are doing it brilliantly. Of course we want to focus on the process but you also need the results. For me, the result was good, the performance was okay.”
Brighton captain Lewis Dunk told the BBC: “I’m gutted to see him go off, he’s been in top, top form this season. Hopefully it’s not a bad injury and he’ll be back soon.
“He was ruthless scoring his goal. Me and him have a good link up.
“He’s one of the top professionals at this football club and he’s a great key to our success. He helps everyone, young and old. Hopefully his injury is not too bad and we’ll have him fighting to get fit.”
