Jan Paul van Hecke is recharged and raring to go as Albion tackle a tough pre-Christmas schedule.

The Seagulls go to Nottingham Forest tomorrow for the first of eight games between now and December 21.

Many of their players have had time to recuperate before returning to club training this week.

Centre-back Van Hecke said: “I went back to Holland and had a few days off.

“I went with my friends to Gent, so it was nice to see my family and friends.

“The upcoming fixtures will be really tough but I am really looking forward to it.

“I think that’s why you play football, to play every three days and to play big games as well.”

Van Hecke got used to two game per week when he was on loan at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

But he said: “I think this is more intense.

“You play in Europe, you travel a lot and you play again on the Sunday.

“You cannot really compare it to the Championship – although that is very intense as well.

“I think the fans are enjoying playing In Europe for the first time and we are still doing well in the Premier League.

“We are eighth, maybe we could be a bit higher in the table.

“We were a bit unlucky in the last games.”

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi is expected to give an injury update today ahead of the trip to the City Ground although some recent absentees were yesterday pictured training with the squad.

Jan Paul van Hecke is supporting the American Express Shop Small campaign, which encourages the nation to back their high streets ahead of Small Business Saturday on Saturday 2 December.  

American Express incentivises its Cardmembers to support their local small businesses through its Shop Small Offer, which gives American Express Cardmembers a £5 statement credit when they save the Offer to their Card and spend £15 or more at participating small businesses between 1-3 December 2023. Terms apply. For more information search, Amex Shop Small UK