Brighton & Hove Albion are still waiting for clarity on Diego Gómez’s injury after he was forced off early against Tottenham, and the latest update adds both reassurance and further uncertainty in equal measure.
The midfielder’s knee issue initially looked worrying, with reports suggesting a mix of meniscus damage, ligament involvement and a potential absence of several weeks, as we covered earlier.
That immediately raised concerns for Brighton, especially given the timing in the season and Gómez’s growing role in midfield.
However, fresh comments from doctor Agustín Chaparro – who has been in direct contact with the player – paint a more nuanced picture.
Diagnosis still unclear as swelling distorts picture
Diego Gómez’s injury is not yet fully understood, largely because of significant swelling in the knee. That has made it difficult for medical staff to reach a precise conclusion.
Live on Paraguayan radio Rock&Pop 995, Chaparro confirmed that the initial diagnosis points to a meniscus fissure, but he repeatedly stressed that inflammation is complicating the assessment.
“What was initially diagnosed was a fissure in one of the menisci, and that was practically confirmed again with the latest tests,” he said. “The problem is that the knee was very inflamed, and that distorted a clear view of the injury.”
He reinforced that point again, underlining the need for caution:
“The knee was very inflamed, and that distorted a correct reading of the injury. That’s why they are constantly carrying out tests to determine exactly the degree of the damage.”
This repeated emphasis suggests Brighton are still in a genuine “waiting game”, with further scans scheduled in the coming days expected to bring more clarity.
‘Very mild’ – but season could still be over
Despite earlier alarm, there are signs the injury may not be as serious as first feared. Chaparro, speaking after direct conversations with Gómez, struck a more optimistic tone.
“Thank God, he is doing very well. Given what the injury could have been, I think it is very mild,” he explained.
There are also small but important recovery steps already underway:
“They removed the immobiliser today, and on Monday they will carry out further tests to better evaluate the injury.”
Even so, that optimism comes with a significant caveat for Brighton’s immediate plans.
“At first glance, he might miss the rest of the season, but I believe he will be fine for the World Cup.”
While earlier reports pointed towards a four to six week absence, the doctor’s view suggests something potentially less severe – yet still enough to end Gómez’s club season.
England future already in mind – but not the priority
Away from the injury itself, the interview also revealed that Diego Gómez already has ambitions beyond Brighton – and interest from within England.
Chaparro confirmed that the player has spoken about the possibility of a move, although the situation remains at an early stage.
“It’s his dream to keep progressing and establish himself at an important club in England,” he said. “He mentioned that there is an English club interested, but I don’t have details. These are just conversations.”
Importantly, he indicated that this is not a wide-open market situation involving multiple clubs. Instead, it appears more specific.
“He told me about one English club, but I don’t have further details. I don’t know which club.”
Well, we do. As previously covered, it’s Manchester City. And there has already been movement behind the scenes too, with contact made via the player’s representatives.
“Yes, there has been contact with his agent. That’s true. But I haven’t spoken in detail about that yet.”
Still, Chaparro was clear about the current focus.
“This is not the priority right now. The priority is the World Cup for him. Everything will depend on how he performs there, and how Paraguay do as well.”
That places both his recovery and any potential transfer firmly on an international timeline rather than a club-driven one.
What happens next
Diego Gómez enters a decisive phase, both for Brighton and for his own career trajectory.
In the short term, the club are waiting on further tests to understand the exact severity of the injury. The repeated emphasis on swelling suggests that clarity has simply not been possible yet.
At the same time, there is a growing expectation that Gómez may not feature again this season. That would force Brighton to adjust their midfield options during the run-in.
Looking ahead, the World Cup is already shaping as a key moment. It is central to his recovery plan, and it could also define his next step in England.
For now, Brighton are left in an uncomfortable position – reassured that the injury may be “very mild”, but still facing the possibility of losing the player for the remainder of the campaign.