Brighton coach Graham Potter eager to move on from Neal Maupay ‘incident'

Striker missed his side’s defeat by Spurs for what his manager called ‘tactical reasons’ at the time

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Brighton manager Graham Potter has referred to "an incident" in discussing Neal Maupay's surprise absence against Tottenham.

French striker Maupay missed Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat for what Potter initially described as tactical reasons.

Reports subsequently emerged claiming the 24-year-old had been involved in a heated incident with a colleague amid concerns about the player's attitude.

Potter was unwilling to give details at a press conference on Wednesday but said the matter had now been dealt with. 

"I spoke before the game and spoke about tactical reasons," Potter said. "When I use the word 'tactical' it can be seen as a 4-2-3-1 or a system or a formation, and sometimes you have to make decisions that are right for the group.

"Sometimes mistakes are made and tempers are high and people are frustrated and emotional. You want that to a certain extent, we are in professional sport at the highest level.

"Sometimes the line gets crossed and it is about how you react to that. There is no problem with Neal. It is something we have dealt with as an incident. You move forward from it.

"He accepts it wasn't his finest hour, but he's a young man that's going to make mistakes like we all do and have done. He then takes responsibility for them.

"We move forward as a group and are stronger for it."

Maupay, who has scored four goals this season, will be back in the squad for Friday's home clash with Burnley. Potter said: "He has been training with the group. He's available for selection."

Striker Alireza Jahanbakhsh is hoping to return after a hamstring injury, and Solly March, who came off in the second half at Spurs, will be assessed.

"Alireza has trained, that is good for us," Potter said. "We'll see how he reacts in the next couple of days. We still have a couple more days.

"Solly March – we'll have to wait closer to the game to see if it is possible for him."

PA