Minteh may be bench option again for Fulham trip | OneFootball

Yankuba Minteh may again only be fit for the bench when Brighton visit Fulham, a ground where they have not won for nine years.

According to WeAreBrighton.com, the winger returned after three games out with a dead leg as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Monday, part of a triple change with Carlos Baleba and Georginio Rutter. The trio helped salvage a draw.

Minteh made several threatening runs to the byline and delivered dangerous crosses, underlining how a start would be a lift, not least given Diego Gomez’s recent struggles.

Hurzeler said they do not yet know if Minteh can start, noting he has just overcome a minor issue and needs careful management. He added they are working to raise fitness for those still short.

Baleba was only on the bench after returning from AFCON, yet his 25-minute cameo hinted at a return to last season’s form and could put him in contention to replace Jack Hinshelwood at Craven Cottage.

Rutter’s role was limited by illness in the build-up, while Maxim De Cuyper missed out entirely. Hurzeler offered a positive update, saying the group have come through that spell and that De Cuyper will be available.

Mats Wieffer will not feature. The midfielder has been sidelined with a toe problem since the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday 27 December. Hurzeler said it is not the same injury as Ferdi Kadioglu’s, though in the same area, and said Wieffer is improving and he hopes to have him back soon.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com