Brighton captain Lewis Dunk set to miss at least three weeks with calf injury – The Athletic

Lewis Dunk ruled out with calf injury as Brighton's centre-back injury crisis worsens

Brighton captain could miss up to a month of action and Arsenal clash after sustaining fresh injury

The centre-back limped off during the second half of Brighton's 2-0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday and scans have revealed the extent of the damage.

It is a major blow for Graham Potter's side, who are already without Adam Webster and Shane Duffy through injury.

Dunk is Brighton's captain and one of their most important players, so his absence will be a big loss.

He is now likely to miss Brighton's next three Premier League games, against Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United.

The Seagulls are also due to face Leicester in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on December 21, but Dunk is now a major doubt for that game.

Brighton have been struggling with injuries in defence all season.

Webster has been out since September with a hamstring injury, while Duffy has been sidelined since October with a calf problem.

The Seagulls have also had to contend with injuries to Tariq Lamptey and Marc Cucurella at various points this season.

Potter now has a major headache in defence, with Dunk, Webster and Duffy all out injured.

He could opt to play Joel Veltman and Dan Burn in central defence, or he could recall Jan Paul van Hecke from his loan spell at Blackburn.

Potter could also look to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

Brighton have a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with games against Arsenal, Everton, Manchester United and Leicester.

The Seagulls will need to find a way to cope without Dunk if they want to maintain their good form.

They are currently ninth in the Premier League, just three points behind sixth-placed Tottenham.

Dunk's injury could actually be a blessing in disguise for Brighton.

It could give Veltman and Burn a chance to prove their worth, and it could also force Potter to consider signing a new centre-back in January.

The Seagulls have a good squad, and they should be able to cope without Dunk for a few weeks.