Brighton training camp cancelled plans have forced Fabian Hürzeler’s squad into a late change after helicopters carrying world leaders damaged pitches in Evian-les-Bains.
Albion have also called off Saturday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Ligue 2 side Annecy.
The pitches were used as landing areas during the G7 summit in June and were later declared unusable by Brighton staff. The Seagulls had planned to remain in France until 1 August as part of their preparations for the new season.
Andy Naylor reports that Brighton have now cancelled the camp. The club trained at their Lancing base on Friday and have arranged an alternative training block in Austria at short notice.
Brighton are expected to travel on Sunday. Their friendly against Strasbourg on 1 August is still scheduled to take place, despite the change of location.
ReadBrighton previously covered the club’s original France camp schedule, which included private matches against Annecy and Strasbourg before home friendlies with Roma and Bologna.
Brighton training camp cancelled before European return
The disruption arrives during an important stage of Brighton’s preparations. Hürzeler must prepare his squad for Premier League football and a UEFA Conference League play-off in August.
Losing the Annecy fixture removes one opportunity to build match sharpness. However, Brighton have acted quickly enough to limit the wider effect on their programme.
The Strasbourg game should provide a stronger examination before Roma visit the Amex on 8 August. Bologna then provide the final scheduled friendly one week later.
Brighton begin their competitive campaign with the first leg of their European play-off on 20 August. Aston Villa visit three days later for Albion’s Premier League opener.
The Brighton training camp cancelled situation is unusual, but the move to Austria should preserve most of Hürzeler’s intended preparation time.
