Brighton boss Graham Potter joked that his modelling days were already long gone after a tumble on the beach left him sporting a nasty facial injury.
Potter appeared at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United with heavy bruising below his left eye and a significant gash on his cheek.
With reporters ready to hear details of a daring deed or possible training ground incident, the 45-year-old bashfully explained that the cause was far more mundane.
“I would love to be able to tell you that there’s a heroic, chivalrous story here that I can make myself look really good but unfortunately I just missed my footing walking home on some steps and then went crashing into a metal railing,” he said.
“And I have got a bit of whiplash on my back.
“Thankfully it’s only hit my cheek – it could have been worse!”
When it was suggested his modelling days may now be over, he replied: “They were over a long, long time ago – if ever they started!”
Pressure on Potter was further eased on Tuesday evening by a battling goalless draw at Chelsea which moved the Seagulls seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Nevertheless, he suggested the painful fall shows he still has plenty to ponder ahead of the weekend trip to Bramall Lane.
Explaining the incident in more detail, he continued: “I can’t even blame it on anything.
“I was walking on the beach trying to look where I could shelter from some wind, missed my step, wasn’t thinking – probably had too much on my mind from the last few days.
“I look a little bit better, so the lady upstairs tell me in terms of I am looking a bit more rugged and handsome, but I think she’s crazy, of course.”
Brighton will be without Ben White against the relegated Blades as he serves a one-match ban following his late red card at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old was ever-present in the Championship during a loan spell with Leeds last season and, aside from being an unused substitute against Arsenal in December, has featured in each of Albion’s top-flight fixtures this campaign.
Despite the return to fitness of fellow defenders Adam Webster and Dan Burn, Potter admits the loss of White is a blow.
“He has got that athleticism where he can just play, play, play,” said the head coach.
“We have to find a solution, we have got options and we will have to think about that over the next day or two.
“But we will miss him.”
Potter has no fresh injury concerns, while forward Percy Tau in contention to return to the squad after missing out in midweek due to a tight hamstring.
