Brighton manager Graham Potter was delighted with Jakub Moder's progress before his season-ending injury.
The Poland midfielder, 23, made 28 appearances for Brighton before injuring his anterior cruciate ligament.
Potter told The Argus: "I think that has been pleasing for him. We have been really happy with him.
"Conscious that he has played a lot of football, conscious that he was coming back from international duty.
"An important role for Poland in qualification for the World Cup, so he has got a lot to be proud of and a lot to be excited about because we will get him back fit, and he will be stronger and better for the experience."
Moder, who is not expected to return next season at the earliest, failed to score a goal for Albion this season, but Potter insists he was unlucky in front of goal.
"He has played a lot more football, and he has taken some steps," the Englishman added.
"Frustratingly for him and for us, the step I anticipate him taking is adding goals to his game.
"He has been a little bit unlucky.
"A combination of good goalkeeper saves and maybe executions as well.
"To get on those positions in the Premier League is not easy as a midfielder, and you can see he has the ability to do that."
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