Yohanna, 19, joined Brighton from Swedish side AIK in June after an impressive breakthrough in the Allsvenskan. He scored twice and registered three assists in seven league appearances during the spring, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs before making the move to England.
Brighton were reported to have paid €28 million, plus a further €2 million in potential bonuses, for the winger. He has since made a Premier League appearance and featured twice in Conference League qualifying, but his progress has been interrupted by physical issues.
The Athletic reported that Yohanna would not be included in Brighton’s initial squad for the competition’s league phase. Yalcouyé, 20, has instead been added to the list ahead of the campaign’s opening fixture against Kauno Žalgiris.
Head coach Fabian Hürzeler said the club did not want to rush Yohanna’s adaptation to the demands of his new environment.
“Zadok is still undergoing rehabilitation and needs a little more time to adapt to the intensity and the demands we set,” Hürzeler said. “Some players adapt quickly, others need more time. With Zadok, we want to give him time. We do not want to force anything.”
The Brighton manager said the start of Yohanna’s season had been difficult and explained that the player had arrived from AIK with a similar issue.
“The beginning of the season was tough for him. He got playing time, but he came here with a similar problem,” Hürzeler said. “It is about being patient and building him back up.”
Yalcouyé, meanwhile, has earned his place after impressing the coaching staff. The midfielder previously played for IFK Göteborg before moving to Brighton, and his inclusion gives Hürzeler another option as the club balances European commitments with domestic fixtures.
“We want Malick in the squad because he is a player we can really use in every match, whatever the situation,” Hürzeler said. “He is always there and is very reliable. He definitely deserves a place in the squad.”
Brighton opened their league-phase campaign with a 4-0 win over Kauno Žalgiris on 15 October. Yohanna’s omission should not be read as a definitive judgement on his long-term prospects: Hürzeler’s comments indicate the club intends to give the youngster time to recover and settle into the demands of English football.