Brighton granted substantial fitness boost for United clash while Hurzeler sweats on three potential returnees

Brighton and Hove Albion are preparing to welcome Manchester United to the Amex for Saturday’s early kick-off.

The two sides lock horns in their second fixture of the Premier League campaign, which will see new coach Fabian Hurzeler face the 20-time champions for the first time.

In terms of his options, the German has been granted a significant boost in the form of summer signing Yankuba Minteh being cleared to play after he was forced off during last week’s 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park due to the league’s concussion protocol. He notched an assist in his Seagulls debut and was undoubtedly one of the side’s brightest sparks throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch.

Elsewhere, Brighton are still waiting on the return of prolific frontman – and long-linked United target – Evan Ferguson, who’s been sidelined with an ankle injury since early April. As a result, he missed the closing stages of the 2023/2024 term, as well as pre-season.

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Hurzeler provides team news update

He’s closing in on full fitness, though, so much so that he may even be included in Hurzeler’s squad tomorrow – dependent on any late tests. Speaking on Ferguson, Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey’s conditions, the manager said on Thursday: “They were all in training.

“We have to wait today and tomorrow (while) their rehab and training continues, how they adapt to the intensity, and then we will see if they will be an option for the squad. But I am very happy that they have come back.”