Wieffer back for FA Cup tie as Brighton visit Liverpool, team news | OneFootball

Wieffer is available after seven weeks out with a toe injury as Brighton prepare to face Liverpool in the FA Cup. According to WeAreBrighton.com, Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the midfielder’s return at his Thursday press conference.

The Dutchman last featured off the bench in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on December 27. His absence was initially described in shifting terms, from an unspecified minor problem to a foot issue then a toe problem, prompting fears given Ferdi Kadioglu’s nine-month layoff last season.

Hurzeler said the diagnosis with Wieffer has proved closer to the mark this time and that Brighton have missed his influence and personality, welcoming his return.

Jan Paul van Hecke was withdrawn on the hour against Villa in a pre-planned change after a hamstring problem kept him out of Sunday’s Crystal Palace game. Olivier Boscagli replaced him and Hurzeler considers van Hecke an option to start at Liverpool. The manager also used the third round tie at Manchester United to give Boscagli and Diego Coppola minutes.

There are no new injury concerns. Yasin Ayari remains sidelined with a shoulder injury and Solly March stepped up by completing an Under-21s 11 versus 11, with everything proceeding well as he moves closer.

Hurzeler added that the St George’s Park base in Burton-on-Trent provides calm and fewer distractions, helping players and staff focus together amid external noise over recent performances, and he hopes the camp can give them a push for the next games.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com