Brighton reveal why Steven Alzate's troublesome injury requires surgery

Alzate, 21, was due for surgery to fix a groin problem but the operation was postponed as the Colombian international reported coronavirus-like symptoms.

“He has got a slight niggle if you like that at some stage would need a small amount of surgery," said technical director Dan Ashworth. "But it’s manageable. He can play.

“Normally when you have a break of this length, he would go in for a really minor operation.

“We normally try and do these things at the end of a season.

“Rest will have helped but ultimately at some stage he will need a small surgery.”

Alzate has made 11 starts from his 22 appearances and has adapted well to top flight football.

His displays also saw him called-up to the Colombia national team, where he made two appearances earlier this season.

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