Brighton & Hove Albion's season has been defined in part by the long-term absences of Adam Webster and Solly March. Both players have now missed 23 fixtures each, representing a significant blow to the club's ambitions.
Webster's absence has forced the coaching staff to reorganize the backline. His reading of the game and ability to play out from the back are qualities that have proved difficult to replace. The defensive record without him tells its own story.
March, meanwhile, had been one of Brighton's most dangerous attacking threats before his injury. His pace and directness down the flank gave the team a different dimension in the final third.
The club have adapted well, with younger players stepping up to fill the gaps. However, there is no doubt that having both players available for the closing weeks of the season would provide a welcome boost. Recovery timelines remain unclear, but Brighton's medical team are taking a cautious approach with both players.