No Albion player will have been as eager to get back out on the pitch than Yves Bissouma.
The Mali international was a focal point in the three games before lockdown against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Wolves, producing a man of the match display at Molineux in Albion’s last outing.
Graham Potter’s side face Arsenal this Saturday at the Amex as they resume their 2019/20 campaign and the head coach has spoken of the importance of competition for places in his squad.
“We all thought the increase to being allowed five substitutes would come into play, so a bigger squad can help that,” he said.
“We’re okay with it. Of course, it changes things because it’s more than what we’re used to and that has an impact on the game. But we all understand why that is and we’re quite happy and positive about it.
“The challenge is to be able to utilise it, but we have a deep squad with lots of talent and we’ll look to use that in our favour.”
Bissouma’s stats from the 0-0 stalemate with Wolves speak for themselves.
He regained possession 16 times, six more than any other Albion player, and made more tackles (5) and had more shots (3) than any of his team-mates.
Bissouma completed 56 out of his 66 passes that afternoon as well and will be looking to carry on that good form when the Seagulls return to action on Saturday.