Brighton Get Huge Boost Before Liverpool Showdown – Skipper Returns, £40m Star Nearing Comeback, and European Dream Still Alive! Fans Won’t Believe Who’s Back Just in Time!

Brighton Handed Major Fitness Boost Ahead of Liverpool Clash as Captain Returns

Brighton & Hove Albion have received a significant lift ahead of their final home fixture of the 2024/25 season, with captain Lewis Dunk cleared for selection against Premier League champions Liverpool.

The 33-year-old centre-back missed Brighton’s 2-0 win over Wolves due to what manager Fabian Hürzeler described as a “minor issue,” but he has trained fully this week and is now fit to rejoin the squad. However, his place in the starting lineup isn’t guaranteed, as Adam Webster impressed in Dunk’s absence, helping Albion keep a rare clean sheet in their last outing.

In further defensive news, Igor is also available following a lengthy layoff with a hamstring injury, while Joel Veltman is expected to feature after recovering from a recent knock. On the other hand, veteran midfielder James Milner remains sidelined due to a persistent hamstring problem that has kept him out since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in August. The 39-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, is reportedly in discussions with the club about extending his stay.

Meanwhile, £40 million summer signing Georginio Rutter is nearing a return after an ankle injury picked up in the FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest. Though Monday’s match comes slightly too soon, Hürzeler is optimistic the French forward will be available for the season finale against Europa League finalists Tottenham.

Kaoru Mitoma, who has been nursing a heel injury and made a substitute appearance against Wolves, is aiming to be fully fit for the high-stakes showdown with Liverpool.

Currently sitting ninth in the Premier League, Brighton remain in contention for a Europa Conference League spot. Finishing eighth could be enough to secure European football next season — but only if Manchester City defeat Crystal Palace in next weekend’s FA Cup final.

With European qualification still within reach, Brighton will be keen to capitalise on these key returns and deliver a strong performance against Liverpool at the Amex.