Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has revealed he could have two players back in the squad for Monday’s game against Liverpool, but revealed one of his star attacking players is a doubt for the clash.
The Seagulls host Liverpool and need points in their quest to qualify for Europe. Brighton sits ninth heading into the weekend matches, with just goal difference separating it from Brentford in eighth, a position that should secure a spot in the Europa Conference League next season.
And Hurzeler received a boost this week with the expected return of Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman to the squad.
Both missed last week’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but should be available on Monday for the visit of the champions.
Igor Julio is also an option, but he has not played since January 4 due to a hamstring injury. He has been an unused substitute in each of the last two matches.
But there is one disappointment for Brighton, with winger Kaoru Mitoma a doubt. “Kaoru had some minor issues, so hopefully he will be a possibility for us in the squad. Overall it’s very positive and we have more options,” said Hurzler.
“James [Milner] is doing rehab on the pitch, he’s getting closer,” the 32-year-old added. “I’m not sure if we will see him this season, but it’s a nice process what he’s going through now.
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“Georginio Rutter is also very close, so hopefully he’ll be back with the team next week. There’s a small chance, like I said from the beginning, that he can be an option for the end of the season, for the last game.”
Solomon March and Ferdi Kadioglu will also miss out through injury, but Joao Pedro is back in contention after serving his three-match suspension.
The Brazilian, who has scored 10 times this season and was this week nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year Award, has been linked with a summer transfer to Liverpool.
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As for Mitoma, the 27-year-old has provided nine goals this term and has missed just two league matches. Like Pedro, he has been mentioned in the Liverpool rumor mills over recent months.
Meanwhile, Hurzler was full of praise for his opposite number during Friday’s media briefing, and the job Slot has done since his arrival on Merseyside last summer.
“It’s very impressive because I experienced myself how difficult it is to come into the Premier League and try to adapt not only as a player, but also as a coach,” said the German.
“I can only pay him a big compliment. It’s very impressive how his team is and how he has worked so far.”
