Brighton and Hove Albion face an anxious wait over the fitness of new signing Jaouen Hadjam after the Algeria international was forced off during his debut appearance, just days before the Seagulls host Arsenal in the Premier League.
The summer arrival needed treatment from Brighton's medical staff and had to be helped off the pitch before being replaced by Ferdi Kadioglu. A club statement confirmed the change, noting simply that Kadioglu had come on for Hadjam "because of an injury."
No further details have yet emerged regarding the extent of the problem, leaving manager Fabian Hurzeler with a selection headache as he prepares his side for Saturday's clash with Arsenal. The 23-year-old's involvement in that fixture now appears to be in serious doubt.
Despite the setback, Hadjam's introduction had otherwise been a bright one. He played a key role in Brighton's fightback, teeing up Charalampos Kostoulas for a goal right on the stroke of half-time that began the club's recovery from a difficult start.
Brighton had found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening ten minutes, with the opposition scoring through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount. However, Hadjam's assist for Kostoulas just before the break gave the Seagulls fresh momentum heading into the second half.
The comeback continued after the interval, with Pascal Gross drawing Brighton level shortly after the hour mark. Four minutes later, Maxim De Cuyper struck what proved to be the decisive goal, completing the turnaround and securing Brighton's passage into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The Seagulls now await the winner of the tie between holders Manchester City and Norwich City to discover their next opponents in the competition.
Hadjam's debut had been eagerly anticipated following his summer move, with Hurzeler having previously spoken glowingly about the qualities the defender brings to his squad. Last month, the Brighton boss outlined exactly why the Algerian was seen as such an important addition.
"And Hadjam is a player who's very good with his left foot," Hurzeler said. "He has got a good understanding who is the free player. He's good at understanding to take the touch inside, to find the opposite side. He's good at crossing. He's good at attacking the box and he can be very intense out of possession. So a profile we wanted to have, a profile that fits our style of play."
Those comments underline the faith Hurzeler had placed in Hadjam before his opportunity finally arrived, making the timing of the injury all the more frustrating for both player and club. Having shown glimpses of the qualities that convinced Brighton to sign him, the defender will now be hoping the issue proves to be nothing serious.
With Arsenal due at the Amex Stadium this weekend, Brighton will assess Hadjam over the coming days before making a final decision on his availability. Kadioglu, who replaced him during the cup victory, remains a capable option in that position should Hurzeler need to make alternative plans.
The Seagulls will be keen to build on the character shown in overturning a two-goal deficit as they turn their attention back to Premier League action against one of the division's leading sides.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.