Alious
Brighton & Hove Albion have been handed a significant lift ahead of Saturday’s demanding trip to Anfield, with four experienced first-team players set to return from injury in time to face Liverpool.
The Seagulls head into the weekend sitting two places above the reigning Premier League champions and in impressive form, having lost just once in their last six league outings. That run has been achieved despite a lengthy injury list — making the latest update from head coach Fabian Hürzeler particularly encouraging.
Following a valuable six-day recovery period after the draw with West Ham United, Brighton’s squad has begun to look far healthier. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Hürzeler confirmed that Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner, Tommy Watson and Yasin Ayari are all back in contention.
All four players are available for selection, creating welcome competition for places — even if it means some squad members will miss out. Hürzeler described the situation as a positive headache, underlining the importance of having genuine depth at this stage of the season.
The most eye-catching return is undoubtedly Mitoma. The Japanese winger has been sidelined since September with a foot problem but has now overcome the pain and trained strongly throughout the week. His availability gives Brighton back one of their most reliable attacking outlets and a proven match-winner.
However, Hürzeler was keen to stress that Brighton’s success has not solely depended on Mitoma. The head coach pointed to strong performances from alternative options such as Diego Gómez and Maxim De Cuyper, highlighting the competitive environment now developing within the squad as Mitoma works his way back to peak fitness.
Milner’s return is also timely as Brighton navigate a packed December schedule. The visit to Liverpool will carry extra emotional weight for the former Red, marking his first appearance at Anfield since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Milner shared a close relationship with his ex-team-mate and chose to wear the number 20 shirt at Brighton this season as a tribute.
While there is plenty of positive news, Brighton will still be without Adam Webster and Solly March for the weekend. Hürzeler confirmed March is edging closer to a comeback from his long-term knee injury and is expected to return in the coming weeks.
The club’s only other absentee, Stefanos Tzimas, faces a longer road back after suffering an ACL injury in last week’s defeat to Aston Villa. Hürzeler confirmed the forward will not feature again this season but has already begun rehabilitation, with surgery planned.
Despite that setback, Brighton remain optimistic about Tzimas’ long-term recovery and head into the Liverpool clash with renewed confidence — strengthened by returning experience, increased depth and growing momentum.
Alious
