Former Leeds United favourite James Milner looks set to miss out on a reunion with his former side, as the Whites prepare to face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.
James Milner broke into the Leeds first-team in 2002 and made 48 appearances for the club before leaving to join Newcastle as the club managed the fallout of the Peter Ridsdale era.
The Leeds academy product has gone on to have a long and successful career in the Premier League and joined Brighton at the beginning of the 2023/24 season after leaving Liverpool.
Milner is one of two former Leeds players in the Brighton squad under Fabian Hurzeler, as Georgino Rutter also prepares to return to Elland Road, having left following the club’s failure to win promotion in the 2023/24 Championship season.
However, Milner looks set to miss the game, as he joins the growing list of Brighton injury concerns ahead of the Premier League clash.
James Milner in action during Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
James Milner set to miss Leeds United’s trip to Brighton
Milner remains an influential figure at Brighton, despite his advancing years. The 39-year-old has featured seven times in the Premier League this season.
However, Hurzeler has confirmed that Milner is set to miss out on a reunion with his former side.
Speaking ahead of Brighton’s EFL Cup tie against Arsenal, via The Athletic, the Brighton boss confirmed that Milner has picked up an injury, stating: “James suffered a small muscle issue, so he won’t be available.”
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On Milner’s chances of facing Leeds, Hurzeler added: “It might be two or three matches. It’s not a big one. He is a good healer. He will come back as quickly as possible.”
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James Milner evades Denis Irwin during Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
James Milner set a new Premier League record against Manchester United
Milner made his Leeds debut in November 2002 and became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history when he scored against Sunderland at 16 years and 356 days old.
23 years later, Milner set another Premier League record in Brighton’s recent defeat against Manchester United, as he provided the assist for Charalampos Kostoulas.
The first time a player has assisted someone who was born after their Premier League debut!
James Milner's first match was in November 2002 for Leeds, and he had already played 138 matches when @OfficialBHAFC teammate Charalampos Kostoulas was born in 2007 😳 pic.twitter.com/VLJrWH9yDy
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 28, 2025
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As a result, Milner became the first player to assist someone who was born after their Premier League debut, as Kostoulas was born in 2007.
The former Leeds man is also closing in on Teddy Sheringham, who is the oldest goalscorer in Premier League history, according to TransferMarkt. Milner is now second on the list but could catch Sheringham if he plays on next season.