How 'soon' is 'soon'?

Fabian Hurzeler is very much one of the new breed of managers who gives as little away on the injury front as possible.

The Brighton boss has refused to put a date on Joao Pedro's likely return after an ankle problem but has said it will be "soon".

That is such a subjective word, it could mean anything, but on balance, it has to be taken as good news.

The 23-year-old has only played four times this season and has scored two goals.

With Brighton fifth in the table, it is tempting to wonder where they might have been if their £30m forward had been fit.

More to the point, with back-to-back games against Liverpool to come after this weekend's encounter with Wolves, and then a meeting with Manchester City, it is Joao Pedro's presence for what is to come that is more important.

Brighton fans will hope in Huzerler's world, "soon" means just a few more days.