Sidwell ready to ease Albion injury concerns [The Argus]

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Albion need Steve Sidwell for the trip to Derby. Picture by Liz Finlayson

/ Andy Naylor, Chief sports reporter

Steve Sidwell is set to ease fears of a central midfield shortage compounding Albion’s centre-half crisis in next Saturday’s Championship opener at Derby County.
Manager Chris Hughton expects Sidwell to be fit for the trip to the East Midlands, even if he misses tomorrow’s closing friendly against Italian side Lazio at the Amex (3pm).
Sidwell, the obvious replacement for the banned Dale Stephens at Derby, has not featured since hurting a knee against old club Fulham in the Seagulls’ second pre-season friendly on July 19.
Hughton told The Argus: “I think he will miss Sunday but be available for Derby. I’m quite confident about that.

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“With Dale out and Richie Towell (knee) out, the other options are Rohan Ince and Danny Holla, who has trained very well.” Skipper Bruno will switch again from right-back to centre-half to partner Lewis Dunk against Lazio in the continuing absence of Connor Goldson (knee) together with long-term victim Uwe Huenemeier (groin).
Niki Maenpaa could deputise again against Lazio for Albion’s regular No.1 David Stockdale.
Stockdale pulled out of a training session open to fans at the Amex yesterday with a sore hip after missing half of the pre-season programme with a nasty toe injury.


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