On-loan Leeds star update as Brighton man Burn undergoes surgery
Brighton have confirmed that towering defender Dan Burn has successfully undergone surgery for the broken collarbone sustained in their recent draw with Chelsea, but Leeds will not be at risk of an early recall for star centre-half Ben White.
The six-foot-seven behemoth has made the left-back position his own under Graham Potter this campaign despite his height, but with a spell on the sidelines now enforced, the Seagulls may look for reinforcements.
One obvious place to look would be Elland Road where on-loan defender Ben White has starred under Marcelo Bielsa to play his part in creating the Championship’s second-tightest defence.
The Whites currently top England’s second tier, but losing White mid-season would be a major blow to their ongoing promotion hopes.
However, noted Athletic reporter and Leeds United specialist Phil Hay recently revealed on twitter that the south coast club do not have the right to recall White early due to the number of games he has played for the Whites.
they don’t have the right to recall. He’s played too many games here.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 2, 2020
The news will come as a great relief to fans of the Yorkshire club as their quest to return to the top table of English football is looking increasingly likely to be achieved this year.
That leaves defender Leon Balogun as the most likely candidate to replace Burn for the upcoming FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday this weekend after recovering from illness, while winger Solly March could feature following a groin problem.
Seagulls boss Graham Potter is expected to make changes for the match, with striker Glenn Murray among those pushing for a start. Winger Jose Izquierdo (knee) remains out.
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Wednesday could have midfielder Massimo Luongo available after the Australia international recovered from a head injury.
Boss Garry Monk revealed Luongo avoided concussion in a clash against Stoke on Boxing Day and has been training ahead of the trip.
Liam Palmer is expected to miss out again with an ankle injury, having been replaced by defender Julian Borner in Wednesday’s loss to Hull as Dominic Iorfa shifted to right-back.
Forward Fernando Forestieri (knee) and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) remain sidelined.
