ARTICLE AD
Brighton defender Jack Hinshelwood faces a stint on the sidelines after suffering a stress fracture in his foot, talkSPORT understands.
Hinshelwood, who is enjoying an excellent breakthrough season, will require surgery.
Hinshelwood has been one of the breakthrough stars of the season but will now be out of actionCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old made his senior debut last season, but this term has become heavily relied upon due to the Seagull's injury crisis.
A midfielder by trade, Hinshelwood already has three goals in just 12 Premier League appearances, playing mainly in defence.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has had to contend with a number of big injuries this season, namely long-term issues for starting XI regulars Julio Enciso, Solly March, Ansu Fati and Pervis Estupinan.
Problems have eased in recent weeks, but the Italian coach will now be without Worthing-born Hinshelwood for the away trip to Tottenham.
Hinshelwood has been fantastic this season and will be a big lossDe Zerbi, meanwhile, will serve a touchline ban at Spurs on Saturday.
The combustible Italian was shown a third yellow card of the season by referee Simon Hooper during Sunday's 4-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
De Zerbi felt Palace debutant Daniel Munoz handled as he attempted to prevent a Brighton attack after just seven minutes and was booked for his reaction.
But the 44-year-old believes his squad will not be affected by his absence from the dugout.
"The yellow card was right," said De Zerbi. "I forgot that with another yellow card I can't be on the bench at Tottenham - but my players can play without their coach there."