March might make Brighton bench at Brentford as Hurzeler urges patience | OneFootball

Solly March might make Brighton’s matchday squad for the first time in 10 months when the Albion travel to Brentford. Fabian Hurzeler said he is under consideration for a place on the bench and urged patience over his return.

According to WeAreBrighton.com, March had another knee operation in May following the ACL injury suffered at Manchester City in October 2023, and he has not played since. Hurzeler revealed last week that March completed his first 11 v 11 action since the operation in an Under-21s training game.

Hurzeler stressed progress must come in small steps and that any minor backward step should not be seen as a setback. He added that March needs time to understand his body again and adapt to Premier League intensity, with the aim of reaching his pre-injury level.

Yasin Ayari remains sidelined with a shoulder problem, though Hurzeler expects the midfielder to resume training next week before the home match against Nottingham Forest. Forest had a £20 million January bid for Ayari rejected by Brighton, then made an attempt to sign Lewis Dunk a week later.

Hurzeler also praised James Milner for his display in the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Milner came on inside 25 minutes to replace Carlos Baleba, who had been booked, and in doing so equalled Gareth Barry’s Premier League appearance record, which he could surpass at the Gtech if he plays.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com