Brighton star in training ground bust-up with team-mate after Arsenal and Liverpool links

Brighton forward Joao Pedro was not part of the squad that beat Liverpool on Monday night – just days after he was linked with a huge summer switch to Arne Slot’s team

Joao Pedro was omitted from the Brighton squad that beat Liverpool on Monday night due to an ‘altercation’ with Seagulls defender Jan Paul van Hecke rather than recent transfer speculation, it has been revealed.

The forward, 23, has recently been serving a three-match ban but was available to feature in the 3-2 thriller at the Amex Stadium. There was no place for the Brazilian in Fabian Hurzeler’s squad, however, with the Brighton boss saying post-match that Pedro was absent due to “private reasons”.