Jaouen Hadjam recovers from injury ahead of Arsenal clash

Jaouen Hadjam is fit again after an injury scare in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United and is available for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.

The Algeria international was forced to leave the pitch in the 74th minute of Brighton’s 3-2 win over Manchester United on Wednesday after receiving treatment from the club’s medical staff.

Hadjam had made his first appearance for Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup and played a part in the comeback victory, providing the assist for the Seagulls’ opening goal.

There were concerns when the left-back was withdrawn, but no risks were taken with the player and his injury has proved to be minor.

Hadjam is therefore available for Brighton’s Premier League fixture against reigning champions Arsenal, which is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM.

It remains uncertain whether the 23-year-old will be included in the starting XI, but his return to fitness means he is available for selection.

The news will also come as a relief to Algeria, with Hadjam included in the national team squad for the upcoming training camp.

The Algerian squad will gather from September 21 to October 6 under new coach Brahim Hemdani. Hadjam’s recovery means he is expected to be available for international duty after his brief spell on the sidelines.

The injury scare comes as Hadjam continues to adapt to English football following his move to Brighton during the summer transfer window. The former BSC Young Boys player is still settling into his new surroundings after previously representing Paris FC and FC Nantes.

His fitness will also add another selection issue for Hemdani to consider ahead of Algeria’s upcoming matches.

Hadjam is competing with Rayan Aït-Nouri for the left-back position in the national team. Both players are regarded as options for the position, leaving Hemdani with a decision to make over who should start.

Under former Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic, Hadjam was the preferred option on the left side of the defence. He started ahead of Aït-Nouri at both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup.

However, the arrival of Hemdani as the new coach could lead to changes in the national team’s selection.

For now, Hadjam’s immediate concern is Brighton, where he is back available after the problem against Manchester United. His return also ensures he remains in contention for Algeria’s training camp later this month.

What initially appeared to be a worrying moment for the Brighton defender has therefore turned out to be a minor setback, allowing him to continue his first season in England and prepare for his next international assignment.