Brighton manager Gus Poyet has maintained his faith in Vicente despite the winger's recent unavailability because of injury.
Brighton boss explains winger's problems with injury
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has maintained his faith in Vicente despite the winger's recent unavailability because of injury.
The 30-year-old made his full debut for Brighton against Hull City at the Amex Stadium on October 15 but has missed their last nine games due to a thigh problem.
Vicente, whose tenure at Spanish giants Valencia was riddled with injury issues, joined the Seagulls on a free transfer in the summer, and despite his minimal impact on the Championship club his boss has confidence in his abilities.
"He's fit," Poyet told
The Argus. "For whatever reasons he's just had every day a little bit of pain and aches. He couldn't really be pain free, so he didn't train with us more than once or twice last week.
Another level
"If everything went all right over the weekend then he should be training with us today but I don't think he is ready to play 90 minutes.
"We will see if we bring him in depending on the other players as well, because there were a few who have been out of the team and did well the other day, which we need to respect.
"We were convinced he would take us to another level but we have lost him for many, many games so far.
"We need to make sure he recovers. I am still confident that he will bring a lot."
Brighton are currently sixth in the Championship table with 32 points from 20 matches.
