Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton insists he will not try to rush injured winger Jose Izquierdo back into the fold as he recovers from a knee problem.
The 26-year-old Colombia international has been sidelined for the past month, having struggled for fitness earlier on in the season following his exploits for his country at the World Cup finals.
Our supporters and the club want to see us have a good cup run.
Chris Hughton
And Hughton is in no mood to take chances with a player he hopes will have a big part to play for the Seagulls in the not-too-distant future.
He told reporters ahead of an FA Cup third-round derby clash with Bournemouth: "It's probably slower than we thought.
"We are looking after him with a fair amount of caution, just making sure he comes through this period and then once he's back, he is back to stay with us."
Izquierdo will play no part against the Cherries, while Brazilian left-back Bernardo also misses out due to a tight hamstring, but is expected to be ready for the Premier League showdown with Liverpool a week on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hughton has high hopes of being able to enjoy a lengthy run in the FA Cup once again, with Albion having reached the sixth round last season.
He added: "Our supporters and the club want to see us have a good cup run.
"The run we had last year galvanised the squad, it will always be a special occasion and I think it's the best cup competition in the world - the excitement did us a favour last year and it can always add to your league campaign.”
Brighton are 16/5 to win in 90 minutes at Bournemouth and are 15/2 to triumph by a 2-1 scoreline, with Jurgen Locadia 13/5 to score at any time.
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Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton insists he will not try to rush injured winger Jose Izquierdo back into the fold as he recovers from a knee problem.
The 26-year-old Colombia international has been sidelined for the past month, having struggled for fitness earlier on in the season following his exploits for his country at the World Cup finals.
Our supporters and the club want to see us have a good cup run.
Chris Hughton
And Hughton is in no mood to take chances with a player he hopes will have a big part to play for the Seagulls in the not-too-distant future.
He told reporters ahead of an FA Cup third-round derby clash with Bournemouth: "It's probably slower than we thought.
"We are looking after him with a fair amount of caution, just making sure he comes through this period and then once he's back, he is back to stay with us."
Izquierdo will play no part against the Cherries, while Brazilian left-back Bernardo also misses out due to a tight hamstring, but is expected to be ready for the Premier League showdown with Liverpool a week on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hughton has high hopes of being able to enjoy a lengthy run in the FA Cup once again, with Albion having reached the sixth round last season.
He added: "Our supporters and the club want to see us have a good cup run.
"The run we had last year galvanised the squad, it will always be a special occasion and I think it's the best cup competition in the world - the excitement did us a favour last year and it can always add to your league campaign.”
Brighton are 16/5 to win in 90 minutes at Bournemouth and are 15/2 to triumph by a 2-1 scoreline, with Jurgen Locadia 13/5 to score at any time.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com