Gull-Mouth Action podcast - episode 103 | Leeds battered by Albion_ FA Cup disaster for Crawley Town.mp4
Crystal Palace vs Brighton in the Premier League this Sunday at Selhurst Park - 2pm
Brighton's star winger Kaoru Mitoma has been a notable absentee for the Seagulls in recent matches.
The Japanese flyer sustained an ankle injury in Brighton's 3-1 win at Chelsea last month and has not appeared since.
Mitoma has missed the last five matches as he was sidelined the 1-1 draw at Wolves and the 2-1 home win against Newcastle.
He then sat out of Brighton's 4-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, swiftly followed by the 2-0 Carabao Cup fourth round defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Last Saturday's impressive 3-0 win against Leeds at the Amex Stadium also arrived too soon for the 28-year-old and he will now be assessed ahead of Brighton's trip to old rivals Crystal Palace this Sunday at Selhurst Park.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler insists Mitoma's issue is a "small injury" and previously said he hopes to have him back before the next international break.
If that's the case, Mitoma should be available for selection this Sunday against Crystal Palace.
Diego Gomez impressed in Kaoru Mitoma’s absence
He will though struggle to regain his starting spot. Last Saturday Paraguay midfielder Diego Gomez played in Mitoma’s left wing position and delivered a fine display.
Gomez was a constant threat to the Leeds defence and scored a second half brace to seal the three points for Hurzeler’s men. Barring any unknown injuries, Gomez is near-certain to start against Palace and Mitoma - if he is fit - will likely have to settle for a place on the bench.
Either way, having Mitoma back will be a huge boost for Hurzeler and adds another attacking option for 10th placed Brighton.
The Seagulls will also assess the fitness of Brajan Gruda (knee) and Joel Veltman (calf) who have also been missing of late with “small injuries.”
Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood (ankle) remains at least two weeks away after he damaged ankle ligaments earlier this term in the 2-1 loss at Bournemouth. Veteran midfielder James Milner (muscular) is also likely to miss out.
Solly March (knee) and Adam Webster (knee) are the long-term absentees.
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