Brighton & Hove Albion have been handed a significant fitness boost with the news that winger Yankuba Minteh is in contention to face Burnley this weekend.
Scan Reveals Positive News for Seagulls Winger
The 21-year-old was forced off during the second half of Brighton's 2-2 draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Tuesday night, with initial fears of a thigh problem. However, subsequent medical assessment has delivered reassuring news for the Seagulls.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that the scan results were positive. "The scan is fine," Hurzeler stated. "It was just a dead leg so let's see how training goes today and we'll see if he can start or not."
Hurzeler's Full Squad Update for Burnley Visit
The German coach also provided updates on several other first-team players ahead of Burnley's visit to the Amex Stadium on Saturday. He confirmed that both Danny Welbeck, who scored and missed a penalty against West Ham, and the experienced James Milner are available for selection.
"Milly [Milner], Danny Welbeck, they both looked fine after the game so I think we will have the same selection again," Hurzeler said. The only confirmed absentee is midfielder Mats Wieffer, who is managing a minor toe issue. "Mats Wieffer had a small issue with his toe so he won't be available but I hope it's not a big issue," the coach added.
Hurzeler Hails Returning Midfielder Pascal Gross
During his media briefing, Hurzeler also took time to praise Pascal Gross, who is poised to complete a £1.3 million return to the club from Borussia Dortmund. While careful not to speak about a player not yet officially under his charge, the Brighton boss was effusive in his admiration.
"I definitely like him as a player," Hurzeler said. "I think he is a quality player, like he has a big impact on scoring goals and creating chances." He revealed he had maintained contact with Gross since the player's departure. "We tried that he stayed here, but he wanted to follow his dream. So we respected that... I was personally in exchange with him. We rate him highly."
The manager was keen to balance his praise by highlighting how the squad had coped in Gross's absence. "I think it's also important to emphasise, although he was gone, we had good replacements. We had players who stepped up. We had the young players who took their chance."
With Minteh likely available and other key figures fit, Brighton will be aiming to secure a positive result as they host Burnley in this Premier League encounter.
