Pedro is left out of the starting XI (Picture: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Joao Pedro has only been deemed fit enough for the bench with Brighton in action against Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazil international has scored twice in three Premier League appearances this season but was left out of the squad last weekend in the goalless draw against Ipswich.

The 22-year-old suffered a knock during September?s international break but did return to training on Friday.

The former Watford star is in the squad for today?s game at the AMEX Stadium but does not make the starting XI.

Asked if Pedro was close to making the starting XI, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler explained to Sky Sports: ?Very close.

?Of course Joao wants to play but at the end of the day it is our responsibility to take care of the player, to protect him.
?I think he will be a very important player for us this season, he wants to play for Brazil in the international phase so we have to take care of him and that’s why he will start on the bench.?

Pedro has scored twice this season (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Brighton beat Everton and Manchester United in their opening two games of the season, with draws against Arsenal and Ipswich maintaining their undefeated start to the campaign.

Forest have also started the season impressively, also undefeated having claimed a huge win over Liverpool last time out.

‘I think they have great individual players,’ Hurzeler said of Forest ...