Joao Pedro Absence Explained For Brighton vs Ipswich as Bold Decision Made on Ex-Leeds United Ace

Joao Pedro not involved in Brighton friendly as Deniz Undav makes first start

Joao Pedro was not involved for Brighton & Hove Albion in their pre-season friendly with Ipswich Town on Saturday, July 22.

New Seagulls signing Deniz Undav started in Pedro's place and scored a penalty in the 5-1 win at Portman Road.

And head coach Roberto De Zerbi revealed after the match that Pedro had been left out as a precaution due to a minor injury.

De Zerbi rates Pedro's chances of facing Espanyol

Asked about Pedro's absence, De Zerbi said: "Pedro had a little problem, a little injury. I hope he can recover for the match on Tuesday [against Espanyol]."

Pedro is likely to be pushing to start against his former club Leeds United in Brighton's final pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 30.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Brighton from Watford in January 2022, played 14 times for Jesse Marsch's side last season, scoring twice.

He is yet to feature in pre-season for Brighton, although he did play 45 minutes for Brazil in their 5-1 win over South Korea on June 2.

Undav, meanwhile, marked his first start for Brighton with a well-taken penalty, although he did miss a glorious chance to score a second goal in the first half.

The German striker, who joined Brighton from Union SG for an undisclosed fee earlier this month, is expected to compete with Neal Maupay for a starting spot in De Zerbi's side next season.

Other Brighton players missing

Other players missing from Brighton's squad for the Ipswich friendly included Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, Jeremy Sarmiento, and Kaoru Mitoma.

Lallana is recovering from a groin injury, while Moder is still struggling with a knee problem.

Sarmiento is also nursing a knee injury, and Mitoma is away on international duty with Japan.