Liverpool vs Brighton in the Premier League from Anfield - Sunday, 2pm

Yankuba Minteh is closing in on a return to action ahead of Brighton's clash against Liverpool.

Minteh, 22, is yet to feature this term having sustained a leg injury in the 3-0 pre-season win against Roma at the Amex Stadium.

Liverpool also tried to sign the flying Gambian in the summer window and had two bid of around £70m rejected by the Seagulls.

Brighton have performed well during Minteh's absence and arrive at Anfield third in the Premier League and are the leading the scorers in the division with 23 goals so far this term.

Minteh is close

Minteh's return will however be a huge boost for Brighton as they juggle the demands of the Premier League, the Conference League and the domestic cups.

Hurzeler, speaking at Brighton's Lancing training ground ahead of Sunday's clash at Liverpool, confirmed that Minteh "is close" but the Liverpool clash could be too soon for the winger.

Diego Gomez - who scored from the halfway line in last Sunday’s 5-0 win against Crystal Palace - will likely start on the right flank, with in-form Belgian Maxime De Cuyper on the left.

Full back Mats Wieffer - who has not featured since injuring his knee in the 4-3 loss at Chelsea - is also "close" but, like Minteh, will likely miss out this weekend. Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu is expected to continue in the right back role.

Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash at Manchester City could be a realistic return date for the duo. Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring), Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Stefanos Tzimas (knee) , Zadok Yohanna (fitness), Femi Azeez (strain) remain sidelined.

Pascal Struijk concern

Defender Pascal Struijk - who joined Brighton for around £18m last summer from Leeds United - will be assessed today and tomorrow but the thigh injury “could get worse” so “wise” decisions are needed.

Skipper Lewis Dunk and Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic will likely be the centre back pairing at Anfield.