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Brighton issue Matt O'Riley 'illness' and transfer update after latest absence All the latest pre-season and transfer news for Brighton and Hove Albion Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler hopes to have midfielder Matt O'Riley training once again this week. The Denmark international missed the pre-season 3-0 win against Roma due to illness. The 25-year-old has also be linked with a move away from Brighton this summer, with Roma and Atalanta credited with long-standing interest. Illness and weight loss for Matt O’Riley "He had an illness during the last weeks," said Hurzeler after Saturday’s victory against Roma at the Amex Stadium. "Therefore, he lost some weight, some energy. And now we try to give him this by training outside, by good nutrition and then I think he will start training next week again. "I think these players, they are great for the locker room. They have a great character side. "They will always give everything for this badge and I think that's very important to understand. "But on the other side, it's also to get an understanding what are the plans from the players, what does he want. "And then we need to figure it out, be very transparent, be very honest to each other and then try to find the right solutions. "But like I said, these kind of players, I like to have in the locker room." O'Riley has struggled to make a sustained impact at Brighton following his £25m move from Celtic in 2024. He has made 29 appearances for the Seagulls with three goals and three assists and spent most of last season on loan at Marseille. Sussex World verdict I would be surprised if Matt O’Riley is at Brighton this season. The playmaker has never really found his spot at the Seagulls following his £25m switch from Celtic. No 10 is his best position and Brighton currently have Jack Hinshelwood as the preferred option in that role. Georginio also operates best in the 10 position but the Frenchman will likely play further forward this term following the exit of Danny Welbeck to Chelsea. That could create a little space for O’Riley, especially if Brighton decide against signing a new striker this window. However, after two seasons of stop-start football, O’Riley will be keen to be a regular and may have to look elsewhere. Serie A could a good option for him with Roma and Atalanta previously linked. He is contracted until 2029 and Brighton would hope to recoup most of the £25m they paid for him in 2024.