Brighton & Hove Albion face a significant selection headache ahead of their daunting Premier League trip to the Etihad Stadium, with winger Yankuba Minteh rated as a major doubt for the clash against Manchester City.
Minteh's Race Against Time
Manager Fabian Hurzeler delivered a pessimistic update on the 21-year-old's fitness during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Minteh was forced off with a suspected thigh injury during the Seagulls' 2-2 draw with West Ham United on December 31st.
Subsequent scans revealed the issue was a dead leg rather than a muscular problem. However, the knock was severe enough to rule him out of last weekend's 2-0 victory over Burnley at the Amex Stadium.
"He is still not perfect," Hurzeler confirmed, adding that the Gambian international only has a "minor" chance of being available to face Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday night.
Brighton's Absentee List Grows
The potential absence of Minteh compounds an existing injury list for the south coast club. Hurzeler also confirmed that midfielder Mats Wieffer remains sidelined due to a toe injury.
The trio of Solly March, Adam Webster, and Stefanos Tzimas are all longer-term absentees and will play no part in the midweek fixture. There is some positive news, however, as Kaoru Mitoma could make his second consecutive start following his return from injury.
In a further boost, Pascal Gross is in contention to make his first start since re-joining the club from Borussia Dortmund earlier in January, offering Hurzeler a welcome creative option.
Manchester City's Defensive Crisis
The reigning champions are grappling with a severe injury crisis of their own, particularly in defence. The situation worsened dramatically during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Centre-back Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken shinbone after a tangle with Malo Gusto and limped off in the second half. Manchester City have confirmed the Croatian defender will require surgery and faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Fellow defender Ruben Dias also picked up a knock in the same game, leaving City desperately short at the back. With John Stones still out injured, Pep Guardiola may have only two fit recognised centre-backs available: Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov.
"Of course, we have a lot [of injuries at centre-back]," Guardiola admitted after the Chelsea match. "John Stones is missing for I don't know how many months. Ruben now will be out, Josko will be out. Nathan [Ake], as we know, cannot play regularly, so it's a situation. But we'll stay strong and we'll find a solution."
The fixture presents a critical test for both sides' squad depth as the Premier League's relentless schedule continues into the New Year.
