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Brighton & Hove Albion may soon have difficult decisions to make as two injury-plagued stars—James Milner and Tariq Lamptey—approach the end of their current contracts with their futures still unresolved.
**Milner’s Lingering Injury Clouds Potential Farewell Season**
Veteran midfielder James Milner, 39, has barely featured this campaign due to a persistent hamstring injury picked up during Brighton’s third Premier League fixture of the season—a 1-1 draw at Arsenal last August. Despite being a key figure in pre-season preparations and starting the opening three games under head coach Fabian Hürzeler, Milner has been sidelined ever since.
With only seven league games remaining, the chances of Milner making another appearance this season are dwindling. Complicating matters further, the former England international’s contract expires this summer, and no renewal has been discussed—likely owing to his long-term absence.
Speaking back in December, Hürzeler emphasized Milner’s off-pitch value, saying: *“We still need to view him as a player, but his experience is invaluable. He’s a big help to me and the squad. We’re focused on supporting his rehabilitation, but a return timeline remains unclear.”*
Milner arrived at the Amex Stadium on a free transfer in June 2023 following a trophy-laden spell at Liverpool. He signed a one-year extension last summer and has made just 23 appearances for Brighton so far.
**Lamptey’s Comeback Timeline Remains Vague Amid Contract Uncertainty**
Tariq Lamptey finds himself in a similar contract limbo. The 24-year-old right-back is currently nursing an ankle injury and hasn’t featured in Brighton’s last five matches. Like Milner, Lamptey’s current deal runs out at the end of the season, and while he’s younger and more integral when fit, his injury record casts doubt over a potential renewal.
Lamptey has made 13 league appearances this season, including nine starts, contributing two goals and two assists. However, his fitness woes have once again interrupted his momentum. When asked for an update last week, Hürzeler’s response was ambiguous: *“It depends on how you define ‘long’. I believe in the medical team and in Lamptey’s own drive to return. There’s a chance he’s back in three, four, maybe five weeks.”*
Lamptey joined Brighton in 2020 from Chelsea for a reported £3 million and has since tallied 120 appearances for the club, registering five goals and 10 assists. He was linked with a potential move to Dutch giants Ajax in the 2023 January window, and speculation may reignite if he departs this summer on a free transfer.
**Crunch Time Approaches for Brighton’s Injury-Hit Duo**
With a challenging run-in that includes matches against Leicester, Brentford, West Ham, Newcastle, Wolves, Liverpool, and Tottenham, Brighton may have to navigate the remainder of the season without contributions from either Milner or Lamptey.
Both players offer different assets—Milner in leadership and versatility, Lamptey in pace and attacking drive—but recurring injuries have made their futures increasingly uncertain. As their contracts tick toward expiration, the club faces the task of balancing sentiment, squad needs, and financial prudence.
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