Pascal Struijk
BHA
Center Back
Back Line Anchor
Aug 11, 1999 (27)
Left
6'3"
174 lb
Remains out against Liverpool
Struijk (undisclosed) has been left out of Brighton's matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool as he continues to recover from a fitness issue.
Analysis: Struijk remains sidelined after failing to recover in time for Sunday's trip to Anfield, extending his absence to five consecutive matches across all competitions. The defender had already missed Brighton's previous three fixtures before the Liverpool encounter, including Thursday's Conference League clash against Jablonec, with his fitness assessed in the days leading up to Sunday's match. Brighton appear to be taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the issue, leaving Lewis Dunk in contention for continued playing time in central defense. Struijk's availability for the next league fixture remains uncertain.
Facing late fitness assessment
Struijk (undisclosed) remains questionable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool as he continues recovering from a minor fitness issue, with his condition set to be assessed Friday and Saturday before a final decision is made, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per BBC Sussex Sport.
Analysis: Struijk remains uncertain for Sunday's trip to Liverpool after missing Brighton's last three matches, including Thursday's Conference League encounter against Jablonec, due to an ongoing fitness concern. The defender has yet to receive clearance to return to competitive action, although coach Hurzeler previously expressed optimism that his absence would be relatively brief. However, the coach has now emphasized the importance of making a cautious decision, warning that the issue could worsen if Struijk returns too quickly. His condition will be evaluated over the next two days, with his participation in training likely to determine whether he can feature at Anfield. Lewis Dunk could continue to benefit from additional playing time in central defense if Struijk remains unavailable. Given the risk of aggravating the problem, Brighton may ultimately decide to give him additional recovery time rather than rush him back for Sunday's encounter.
Ruled out of Conference League clash
Struijk (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Thursday's Conference League encounter against Jablonec as he continues recovering from a minor physical issue, although he is expected to return relatively soon, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Brian Owen of The Argus. "They won't be available for tomorrow. Wo we spoke about Pascal. He has a minor issue, so I think he will be back quite quickly."
Analysis: Struijk will miss his third consecutive match after sitting out the Conference League victory over Kauno Zalgiris and Sunday's 5-0 Premier League win against Crystal Palace due to an ongoing fitness concern. The defender has yet to recover sufficiently to resume competitive action, with coach Hurzeler confirming that he will not be available for Thursday's European fixture. However, the coach described the issue as minor and expressed optimism that Struijk could return relatively quickly, suggesting his absence may not extend much further. His availability for Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool remains uncertain, although the short turnaround could make that fixture difficult to target. Lewis Dunk could continue to benefit from additional playing time in central defense while Struijk remains sidelined, with the coaching staff expected to reassess his condition ahead of the weekend.
Ruled out against Crystal Palace
Struijk (fitness) has been ruled out for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after failing to recover in time for the fixture.
Analysis: Struijk remains sidelined after missing Thursday's Conference League victory over Kauno Zalgiris due to fitness concerns. The defender had been given an additional day to recover ahead of Saturday's assessment, but he has not regained sufficient fitness to feature against Crystal Palace. Coach Fabian Hurzeler continues to take a cautious approach with his recovery, although no timetable for his return has been confirmed. Lewis Dunk could continue to benefit from additional opportunities in central defense while Struijk remains unavailable.
Set for late fitness assessment
Struijk (fitness) will be assessed on Saturday ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace as the defender has been given an additional day to recover, leaving his availability for the weekend uncertain, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Struijk remains a doubt for Sunday's matchup against Crystal Palace as Brighton continue to manage his recovery. The defender was already unavailable for Thursday's Conference League victory over Kauno Zalgiris, and coach Hurzeler's latest comments suggest the coaching staff are taking a cautious approach rather than rushing him back into action. Saturday's assessment should provide a clearer indication of whether Struijk can return to the matchday squad, although his lack of recent training could limit his chances of starting. If he remains unavailable, Lewis Dunk could continue to benefit from additional opportunities in central defense.
Misses out as workload managed
Struijk will be unavailable for Thursday's Conference League clash against Kauno Zalgiris as Brighton continue to manage his playing time, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Andy Naylor. "Pascal won't be available tomorrow."
Analysis: Struijk will miss Thursday's European fixture as Brighton continue to manage his workload. The defender has been competing for a starting position in central defense, but his absence could provide Lewis Dunk with another opportunity in the lineup. His availability for the upcoming Premier League fixtures will depend on how the coaching staff manage his minutes.
Suspension overturned
Struijk's red card against Sunderland has been rescinded following a successful appeal, making him available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, according to the club.
Analysis: Struijk was initially facing a one-match suspension after being sent off in the 57th minute against Sunderland for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. However, an independent Regulatory Commission overturned the dismissal, allowing the defender to remain available for selection. He could retain his place in Brighton's starting lineup against Crystal Palace, with Lewis Dunk providing an alternative in central defense.
Sent off against Sunderland
Struijk was sent off in the 57th minute of Saturday's Premier League match against Sunderland for a tactical foul as the last man.
Analysis: Struijk is set to serve a suspension after being dismissed for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, an offence that carries a one-match ban in the Premier League. The red card came in a match he had been listed as doubtful for with a hamstring problem, and it leaves Brighton to see out the remaining half hour with 10 men. Lewis Dunk is set to replace him in XI.
Makes starting XI
Struijk (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Sunderland.
Analysis: Struijk retains a starting role after hamstring discomfort forced him off after 86 minutes during Brighton's 3-0 win over Arsenal. That outing marked his first Premier League start for the club, and the issue has not prevented him from starting again following the international break. He earns another opportunity in central defense despite Lewis Dunk also returning to availability after a neck injury.
Appears fit for Sunderland clash
Struijk (hamstring) appears to be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Sunderland after being left off Brighton's latest injury report, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Struijk experienced hamstring discomfort during Brighton's 3-0 win over Arsenal before the international break, forcing him off after 86 minutes in his first Premier League start for the club. However, his omission from coach Hurzeler's latest injury update suggests the issue was minor and should not prevent him from featuring Saturday. With Lewis Dunk also back available following a neck injury, Struijk could face increased competition for a starting role in central defense, though he should remain an option for selection against Sunderland.
Felt hamstring during debut start
Struijk felt discomfort in his hamstring during Saturday's 3-0 win over Arsenal, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Sam Morton of the Sussex Express. "Pascal felt his hamstring a little bit, I hope it's nothing bad, but we have to see."
Analysis: Struijk was making his first Premier League start for Brighton in place of the injured Lewis Dunk (neck) and impressed throughout, playing 86 minutes and picking up a yellow card before Michael Svoboda replaced him. Further clarity on the severity of the hamstring issue should emerge in the coming days as Brighton enters the international break.
Makes first start of season
Struijk registered one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 win versus Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 71st minute.
Analysis: Struijk registered one shot without troubling David Raya and played 86 minutes as part of a Brighton back line that conceded zero chances of note from Arsenal's attack across a dominant defensive performance. He was replaced by Michael Svoboda in the 86th minute as coach Hurzeler managed his squad ahead of the international break. Struijk featured in the last three games of the Seagulls in the Premier League and this start was his first of the season as he replaced the injured Lewis Dunk (neck) against the Gunners.
Makes bench in Conference League
Struijk (undisclosed) is on the bench for Thursday's Conference League playoff match against Tromso.
Analysis: Struijk had been dealing with discomfort in recent days, but the defender resumed training earlier this week and made the bench for this European clash. The Dutchman should be an option for the EPL opener against Aston Villa on Sunday as well.
Rejoins training ahead of Conference playoff
Struijk was dealing with discomfort but is aiming to be available in upcoming contests, with coach Fabian Hurzeler saying "He's training now, so he will be back in the squad hopefully next game.", Derren Howard of Sussex World reports.
Analysis: Struijk joined Brighton from Leeds United ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, and he's expected to assume a significant role in the back line. The defender, who posted 207 clearances over 34 Premier League appearances last season, has apparently overcome a minor issue during the preseason. However, if he eventually needs to rest in the opening games, Luka Vuskovic and Olivier Boscagli may benefit in terms of playing time.
Completes Brighton switch
Struijk has completed a transfer to Brighton from Leeds United, the club announced.
Analysis: Struijk got his move, but stayed in the Premier League, making the switch to Brighton. This has been long rumored as Brighton look to replace their latest big-money sale in Jan Paul van Hecke. Struijk should have an immediate chance to play big minutes with Brighton, especially after multiple excellent top flight seasons with Leeds United.
Named in starting XI
Struijk (hip) is in the starting XI for Sunday's season finale against West Ham.
Analysis: Struijk passed the fitness checks that had been set to determine his availability after returning to training, with manager Daniel Farke's hopeful words ahead of the weekend proving well-founded as the defender earns his place back in the starting lineup for the curtain closer. The Dutchman has been a near ever-present figure at the back this season, starting 32 of his 33 appearances while tallying 37 tackles, 29 interceptions and an impressive 205 clearances, and his return after missing just one match with the hip issue is a timely boost for a Leeds side heading into a high-stakes season finale against West Ham United.
Hopeful to face West ham
Struijk (hip) is questionable for Sunday's match against West Ham, according to manager Daniel Farke. "We have Pascal back in training, so let's see how his body reacts. Hopefully, he is available."
Analysis: Struijk is working for a return Sunday, as the defender looks to be a late call and will face some fitness checks ahead of the contest against West Ham. He has only missed one match due to the injury, so the quick turnaround for the season finale would be a good sight. He has started in 32 of his 33 appearances this season in the defense, so if he is fit, a starting role could be likely for the defender.
Not an option Sunday
Struijk (hip) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Struijk has been unable to recover from the hip issue that forced him off during the club's last match, with manager Daniel Farke's assessment of him as a major doubt proving accurate after the defender was unable to train during the week. The last time Struijk missed a start in the league dates back to March 8, making his absence a notable concern for a Leeds United side that has relied heavily on him at the back. Sebastiaan Bornauw is expected to step into the starting role until he returns to full speed.
Not training, availability in doubt
Struijk (hip) is doubtful for Sunday's match against Brighton, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Pascal [is] not in training yet after the last game. Big doubt if he is available."
Analysis: Struijk had to leave the club's last match early and now remains in doubt for the club, as he was unable to train during the week. This will leave the defender with only two days to see a status change, likely trying to push to train, but unlikely to risk him with their place in the Premier League solidified for next season. However, he has been a regular starter as of late, with his last missed start in FA Cup play on March 8, leaving Sebastiaan Bornauw to likely work into the starting XI in his place.
Subs off Monday
Struijk left Monday's match against Tottenham due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Struijk sustained an undisclosed issue before being replaced by Sebastiaan Bornauw in the 56th minute of this game. The Dutchman has started eight times in a row in all competitions, but this problem puts him at risk of missing the final couple of fixtures of the season. In that case, Leeds will lose their best contributor of clearances, with Bornauw likely stepping into a bigger role in his place.
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