Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Diego Gómez has been passed fit to play against Manchester United on Saturday.
At his Friday press conference, head coach Fabian Hürzeler said the Paraguayan was “able to start” this weekend despite going off in the first half of a 2-1 home win over Newcastle United last week.
This is a big boost for Brighton, who had Kaoru Mitoma and Brajan Gruda absent in attacking positions last week, with full-back Ferdi Kadıoğlu having to play most of the game on the left wing.
The Turkish international put in a noteworthy performance to offer Hürzeler a headache in this position, particularly with Mitoma’s availability continuing to be uncertain this weekend.
Gómez boost
Following a debut Premier League season in 2024-25, Gómez has become a regular feature at Brighton this campaign.
He has appeared in seven of the Seagulls’ eight Premier League outings, as well as grabbing headlines for a hat-trick of beautiful goals in the EFL Cup at Barnsley.
His quick return from a blow to his hip against the Magpies last weekend is, resultantly, a huge boost for Hürzeler.
The German head coach said on Friday: “He will be able to start, yes.”
Absent stars
Others who were absent against Newcastle, however, we more uncertain of appearing at Old Trafford.
Alongside long-term absentees Adam Webster and Solly March (both anterior cruciate ligament), Jack Hinshelwood (ankle ligaments), Harry Howell (back), Joël Veltman (calf), Gruda (knee) and Mitoma (ankle) were unavailable for selection.
The latter three of those were thought to be likely to return this time around, but Hürzeler was less certain about that.
Hürzeler said: “They're all close to the team, so maybe one or two of them might be available tomorrow.
“They don't have big issues. It's small issues – nothing serious.
“I can't say that they all will be available. I can't say that they won't be available. So we have to, we have to see, really today, how it's going, and then we have to make a decision.”
Mitoma options
While Mitoma is an uncertainty for the trip north, Brighton do have several different options to replace him.
As previously mentioned, Kadıoğlu played on the left against Newcastle, with Maxim De Cuyper coming on behind him at left-back.
Other options within the Seagulls’ squad include Charalampos Kostoulas, who made his Premier League debut from the bench against Newcastle, and Tommy Watson, who is yet to play a minute of league football this season.
Hürzeler said: “I think Kaoru is helpful for us in every game, because he has a special quality, is always a danger for the opponents.
“For sure, it would be great to have him in the team. If he's not available, we won't complain. We will find solutions. We have other good players.
“There might be a chance for Tommy Watson. There might be a chance for other wingers who are in our squad.
“I'm sure we will find solutions if he's not available, but for sure, we try everything that he will be in the squad, because he's a game-changer for us.”