Brighton banish Chelsea transfer target who is set to miss Liverpool clash

Leandro Trossard’s future at Brighton appears uncertain amid concerns over the in-form winger’s attitude.

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The Belgium international played a key role in the Seagulls’ flying start to the Premier League season, scoring seven times, including a hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield, prior to the break for the World Cup.

Trossard was part of a star-studded Belgium side that failed to make it out of the group stages in Qatar and has struggled to make an impact on his return.

According to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old was asked to train away from the first team earlier this week and looks unlikely to be involved against Liverpool on Saturday.

The former Genk winger also missed last weekend’s FA Cup win over Middlesbrough but manager Roberto De Zerbi insisted his absence was down to a minor injury.

Trossard’s current contract expires in the summer and although Brighton have the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months, his future looks increasingly likely to lie elsewhere.

Chelsea are understood to be monitoring Trossard’s situation with Graham Potter keen to reunite with one of his former players, while Tottenham also hold an interest in the versatile forward who can also operate at wing-back.

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The struggling Blues have already invested heavily in their squad this month adding Benoit Badiashile, David Fofana, Andrey Santos and Joao Felix to their squad, but new signing have failed to lift the gloom.

A first west London derby defeat since 2006 means it’s now just two wins in 10 games for Potter, but the under-fire manager insists he is capable of steadying the ship and appeasing fans who were once again chanting for his predecessor Thomas Tuchel last night.

‘I can also understand they (the fans) are frustrated because we’ve lost,’ said Potter. ‘That is normal. I made sure I went over and clapped them because you appreciate the support.

‘It’s not easy. We’re suffering and they are suffering. So we feel for them and feel their disappointment. I think it’s important we stick together and try to get through this tough period, because it really is a tough period.

‘It’s really frustrating and incredibly challenging. I feel for the supporters. We’re disappointed to lose tonight. I thought it was a relatively even game in the first half and we had a couple of good chances.’

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