Injury-hit Brighton rule-out FIVE key players for Manchester City test and Percy Tau latest

Midfielder Adam Lallana is one of five players ruled out for Brighton's tip to Man City

Flying wing back Tariq Lamptey last featured for Brighton during the 0-0 draw at Fulham on December 16 and the 20-year-old continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

Striker Aaron Connolly has also been ruled out with a hamstring issue sustained during the 3-3 draw against Wolves at the Amex on January 2.

Fellow striker Danny Welbeck, who has two goals to his name this season, is still struggling to shake off a knee problem and the trip to the Etihad will be too soon for the ex-Man United front-runner.

Adam Lallana will miss the match due to illness, while Yves Bissouma is suspended for the second time this season after he picked up his fifth booking during the first half against Wolves.

Bissouma also served a three match ban earlier this campaign for a straight red card after accidentally kicking Newcastle's Jamal Lewis in the face.

Ali Jahanbakhsh will be assessed ahead of Manchester City after the Iranian picked up a "minor injury" during their 1-1 penalty shoot-out victory in the FA Cup at Newport last Sunday.

Jahanbakhsh was replaced in the second half at Rodney Parade by Percy Tau and the South African could now be in line to make his Premier League debut for 17th placed Brighton at Man City.

The 26-year-old has had three separate loan spells in Belgium since he signed in 2018 and only recently secured a work permit to play in the UK after being recalled to ease the Seagulls’ injury crisis.

“We’re excited of course, he’s only been with us a few days, but I think you can see his quality,” said boss Graham Potter after his lively display from the bench in south Wales.

Brighton forwards Jose Izquierdo and Florin Andone are both working their way back from long-term injuries, although Colombia international midfielder Steven Alzate could return to the matchday squad after illness.

Brighton's Polish international midfielder Jakub Moder trained with the side for the first time on Monday and did some "light work" with his teammates.

Moder was recalled from his loan at Lech Poznan earlier this month having signed for Albion from Poznan last October for a reported £10.5m.

Potter meanwhile refused to comment on reports Brighton are poised to sign Ecuador’s teenage midfielder and Man United target Moises Caicedo from Independiente del Valle for £4.5m.

“It’s just speculation,” Potter said. “It is what it is at this time of the year. I wouldn’t want to comment, I wouldn’t want to speak about players that aren’t with us.”

Man City striker Sergio Aguero will miss out after coming into contact with a COVID-positive individual. The Argentine has previously scored every time he has faced Brighton in the Premier League.

Ferran Torres is expected to be available after recovering from coronavirus but Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake both remain sidelined through injury.

Coverage of the match will be live on BT Sport 1 from 5.30pm, kick off 6pm.

Brighton predicted XI: Sanchez; White, Dunk, Webster; Veltman, Propper, Gross, Trossard, March; Maupay, Tau.

Man City predicted XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Mendy; Rodri, Gundogan; Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling; Jesus.

Match day officials: Referee: Darren England. Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett. Fourth official: Michael Oliver. VAR: Mike Dean. Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.