Brighton Drop Top-Scorer Pedro From Tottenham Clash After Training Incident

Brighton & Hove Albion will be without their joint top-scorer João Pedro for their final Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur due to a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke. The 23-year-old Brazilian, who has scored 10 league goals this season, was left out of the squad following the incident, which head coach Fabian Hürzeler described as a "small issue" that was dealt with internally. Pedro, who recently served a three-match suspension for violent conduct after a red card against Brentford, will miss the season closer amid transfer speculation, though Hürzeler emphasized the importance of team principles and expressed confidence that Pedro will learn and come back stronger next season. Brighton currently sit eighth in the Premier League and a draw at Tottenham would secure this position, potentially qualifying them for next season's UEFA Conference League depending on other results. French striker Georginio Rutter will also miss the trip due to injury. Despite the disciplinary setback, Hürzeler praised Pedro as a "match-winner" and an "incredible football player," highlighting the club's investment in him and his potential for growth.