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Graham Potter does not expect to have Brighton defender Adam Webster available to him again until after the next international break in October.

Webster had to come off in the first half of the 1-0 win over Brentford last weekend with a hamstring injury. Potter is currently preparing Brighton for a game against Leicester on Sunday but will have to do so without the centre-back. What’s more, he could be without him for a few weeks.

“Maybe the other side of the international break is where we’re looking with him, if we’re being sort of fair to him and a bit of recovery,” Potter said.

“So not the best news, but not the worst news – it’s probably in the middle.”

Better news for Potter is that Dan Burn is available again after a recent knee problem. In addition, Enock Mwepu is in contention to return, while Aaron Connolly can also come back into the plans.

Pascal Gross remains on the sidelines though due to Covid-19 reasons and the plan for Tariq Lamptey, who has had a hamstring problem, is to return on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup against Swansea.

Those that are available will be aiming to continue Brighton’s positive start to the season. They have won three games from four after taking 19 matches to reach the same tally of victories last term.

Brighton finished 16th last season but many felt their performances warranted a little more. Even so, Potter is now optimistic that fine margins are going in their favour now.

“I spoke a lot last year about the margins being really tight and often they fell on the wrong side of us. We just carried on working, and this time I think the margins have been in our favour.

“We didn’t get too down on ourselves when results weren’t going our way, and we’re not going to get carried away either when they have gone our way. It’s a case of trying to improve, trying to focus on the next match.

“Our expectations don’t change. Short-term, results can happen, good and bad, but I think you’ve got to stay consistent in terms of where you are with your thinking and keep trying to get better. That’s where we’re at.”

Potter reacts to Bissouma claim

Meanwhile, Potter also reacted to Yves Bissouma claiming to be the best midfielder in the Premier League.

Asked by the BBC who the best midfielder in the division is, Bissouma told his former teammate Glenn Murray: “I don’t want to be arrogant, but that’s my mind – I think for me, it’s me because in my head I’m working to be the best.

“So I can’t say another name. I know the Premier League has too many good midfielders, but for me, it’s me because that gives me confidence and energy to work hard to show people I’m here, I’m Bissouma.”

Potter thinks Bissouma is becoming more consistent and of better quality. But he still thinks he can improve further.

“I think he’s made good steps. I think the exciting thing for us and for him is he’s not at his maximum, I think there’s more to come. But I think his consistency has improved. His lowest level has got higher, his highest level is scary to be honest; he’s got some quality.

“It’s about being consistent and understanding the game a little bit more and his role in the team, and I think he’s done that really well.

“He’s been an important player for us over the last 18 months, maybe a bit longer. He’s taken steps, but he’s still got some steps to take as well, which is great for him and great for us because we need to help him get there.”

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