Joao Pedro is pushing to prove his fitness in time to feature for Brighton against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The Brazilian made a strong start to the new season, scoring against Manchester United and Arsenal, but picked up a knock while on international duty and has since missed Brighton’s last two matches.

Brighton and Nottingham Forest bid to assert top-four contender status on Sunday when they meet in a compelling Premier League fixture at the Amex Stadium,

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has now confirmed that Pedro will be back in training on Friday, but insisted he is unwilling to take any risks with the 22-year-old’s fitness ahead of the clash with a Forest side still on a high from their shock victory over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 14:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Midfielder and £25m summer signing Brajan Gruda is set to return to training with the squad in the next few days.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler will not take any risks with the fitness of “key player” Joao Pedro and is confident other members of his squad will chip in with goals. Seagulls forward Pedro missed last weekend’s 0-0 draw at home to newly-promoted Ipswich and will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.