Injury blow for Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of 2026-27 season
Brighton & Hove Albion have suffered a significant injury blow ahead of the 2026-27 season, with midfielder Carlos Baleba picking up an ankle ligament injury. The Cameroonian international is doubtful for the start of the new season, which gets underway on August 20 when the Seagulls face Tromso or CFR Cluj in the UEFA Conference League play-off.
What happened?
Carlos Baleba, a midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion, has suffered an ankle injury. The 22-year-old Cameroonian international is expected to be sidelined for a while, casting doubt over his start to the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters for Brighton & Hove Albion
The injury to Baleba is a significant blow for Brighton & Hove Albion, who are already without Zadok Yohanna. The Seagulls will be hoping that the issue is temporary and that Baleba will be back in action soon.
What comes next?
Brighton & Hove Albion's season starts earlier than usual on August 20 when they play the away leg of a Europa Conference League match against either Romanian team Cluj or Norwegian team Tromso. Three days later, Brighton & Hove Albion's Premier League campaign starts at home against Aston Villa.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 8th in Premier League, 53 pts, 14W-11D-13L from 38 games, recent form LLWLW. Goals this season: 52 scored, 46 conceded (+6 goal difference). Title race: 32 points behind leaders Arsenal. Currently sidelined: Zadok Yohanna.
Injury update
Baleba has picked up an ankle injury, which will keep him out of action for the start of the season. The Seagulls are hopeful that the issue is temporary and that Baleba will be back in action soon.
Transfer update
Manchester United expressed interest in Baleba at the conclusion of the last campaign, but the 22-year-old's move has not come to pass. In order to bolster their midfield, United moved for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans instead of Baleba this season.
What's next for Brighton & Hove Albion?
Brighton & Hove Albion's season starts earlier than usual on August 20 when they play the away leg of a Europa Conference League match against either Romanian team Cluj or Norwegian team Tromso. Three days later, Brighton & Hove Albion's Premier League campaign starts at home against Aston Villa.
Injury timeline
Baleba missed Brighton's 4-3 victory over Strasbourg on Saturday due to an injury he received during preseason. He is expected to be sidelined for a while, casting doubt over his start to the 2026-27 season.
Transfer window update
During the current transfer window, Brighton acquired Costinha, Zadok Yohanna, Pascal Struijk, Luka Vuskovic, and Michael Svoboda. The injury to Baleba is a significant blow for Brighton & Hove Albion, who are already without Zadok Yohanna.
What's next for Baleba?
Baleba has made 31 appearances in the Premier League so far, since joining Brighton from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2023. The Cameroonian international is expected to be sidelined for a while, casting doubt over his start to the 2026-27 season.
