It looks likely that the former Leeds United man will sit out Saturday's clash, but Georginio Rutter should be fit and ready to face the Whites this weekend
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
13:48, 28 Oct 2025
Leeds United academy graduate James Milner
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Leeds United academy graduate James Milner(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder James Milner is a major doubt to face boyhood club Leeds United on Saturday after picking up a muscle injury.
The 39-year-old - who made his senior debut for the Whites in November 2002 - has picked up a small setback and is likely to miss Saturday’s home game against Leeds, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler.
“James suffered a small muscle issue, so he won’t be available,” said Hurzeler ahead of Brighton’s League Cup clash with Arsenal on Wednesday. “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.”
Milner played 54 first team games for Leeds, rising through the academy ranks to register five goals and two assists before leaving for Newcastle United in 2004 for around £5million.
He has played six games against his former club, his only loss coming in that 2-1 Leeds win over Liverpool at Anfield in October 2022.
In 2018, Milner explained how he didn’t want to leave Leeds 21 years ago but understood why he had to amid the club’s poor financial standing.
He detailed: “In 2004, I turned up on the first day of pre-season thinking we were going to discuss a new contract, and someone said, ‘You’re going up to Newcastle for your medical tomorrow’. I was like, ‘Am I?’
"That was tough. It was disappointing that I didn’t get to play for Leeds for longer, but to do it at all was pretty special. What little money the club owed me, I gave up to help them, and they got a transfer fee.
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“It was portrayed to me that it was in the best interests of the club [for me to leave] due to all of the financial difficulties. I thought I was doing the right thing by the club.”
Milner went on to win three Premier League titles, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups and two League Cups during his time at Manchester City and Liverpool. He also earned 61 England caps, playing at two World Cup and two European Championships.
Another former Leeds player in Georginio Rutter is expected to line up against the Whites on Saturday, with the forward yet to score in eight Premier League games this season. It will be the first time he takes on United since leaving last year.
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