Brighton missing two players vs Liverpool as Hurzeler confirms return of key attacker
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The chances of that run continuing were strengthened by the return of a first-team regularFabian Hurzeler confirmed Karou Mitoma is back to face LiverpoolBrighton has been handed an injury boost with head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirming Kaoru Mitoma is available following a recent injury layoff.The winger has endured a tough campaign with the Seagulls, playing just 19 Premier League matches due to injury. A foot problem forced Mitoma to miss nine league games before the turn of the year, but he has been a regular in the side since returning in mid-December.The Japan international picked up a fresh knock in the defeat to Arsenal two weeks ago and was unavailable for last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sunderland.READ MORE: Liverpool rocked by fresh injury blow as first-team star ruled out on eve of Brighton gameREAD MORE: 'Disgusted' Premier League condemns racist abuse of Ibrahima Konate and threatens consequencesHowever, speaking before the game, Hurzeler confirmed the attacker will be fit to take on Liverpool this weekend.“Mitoma will be back to face Liverpool, said the Brighton head coach.
“And nobody else is out.”The Seagulls remain without Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas, who are absent with long-term injuries.Mitoma is set to miss Saturday's game at the AmexBrighton has won three of its last four games and has moved up to 12th in the table. Hurzeler’s front-foot, possession-based style earned praise from Arne Slot during Friday’s press conference, and the 33-year-old returned the favor when speaking to the media a few hours later, claiming his opposite number has come under undue pressure this season.“I think football sometimes is not fair,” said Hurzeler.
“He won the Premier League, he’s doing an incredible job, he’s having a really good style of football, he tries to develop the players.”“Now against Galatasaray, for example, he played with a diamond. He has been struggling with a hamstring issue over recent weeks.Salah sustained a muscle injury during the midweek win over Galatasaray and Slot confirmed he will not return in time for Saturday’s game.