Manchester United vs Brighton and Hove Albion this Saturday at Old Trafford - kick-off 5.30pm
Brighton will hope to have their star winger Kaoru Mitoma available to face Manchester United this weekend.
The Japan international has missed the last two Premier League matches with an ankle injury sustained during the 3-1 win at Chelsea.
Mitoma missed the 1-1 draw at Wolves and the 2-1 win against Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium last Saturday also arrived to soon for the 28-year-old.
“Mitoma still has to recover from his hit,” said Hurzeler after the win against Newcastle. “So we try to bring him back as quick as possible.
“He was close but we have to be patient with him, so let's see how the next days are going.”
Getting Mitoma back to full fitness ahead of the trip to Old Trafford is key as Diego Gomez is struggling with a hip and thigh injury.
Another injury blow for Diego Gomez
The Paraguay international picked up the thigh issue while on international last week and then received a knowck to the hip in the first half against Newcastle. Gomez was forced off after 35 minutes and is now a major doubt for the United clash.
“I don't think it's the same injury,” said Hurzeler toSussex World. “I think it's a hit on his hip. I can't give any more information, but we have to wait for the scan.”
Brighton do though have options. The versatile Ferdi Kadioglu can play on the left and flying winger Yankuba Minteh can operate on either flank.
The left footed Minteh tends to play on the right but Hurzeler has at times used him as a conventional left winger this term.
“It's always important to bring our wingers in one-against-one situations, especially Minteh,” Hurzeler added.
“He's a very fast player so you need to get him into one-against-one situations. I think that's in general always the game plan, sometimes it works better, sometimes not. It's very important that we as a team are able to have different variations of how we want to attack, so not only rely on Minteh.
“We also have other players who can score, who can create something.”
‘100 per cent’ - All or nothing for Fabian Hurzeler at Man United
The win against Newcastle placed Albion 10th in the table while United are ninth after their memorable 2-1 win at Anfield last Sunday.
Hurzeler said: “We only can be really competitive if we have this togetherness. I'm pleased how the players step into their roles.
“When some other players are injured, we have to focus on doing these things. If we do these things we show today, and understand why we were successful today as a team.
“And if these behaviours become a habit, then we can beat every team in the league. But if we just do a little percentage less, then you won't win a game in the Premier League.”
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