Four Brighton players will now miss Nottingham Forest after official update

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler is hopeful injured Brighton pair Kaoru Mitoma and James Milner will both return to action before Christmas.

Japan winger Mitoma has been sidelined since sustaining a foot injury in September, while Milner has missed the Seagulls’ last four matches due to a muscular problem.

Midfielder Tom Watson could return to contention for Sunday’s game at Nottingham Forest after a minor injury kept him out of last week’s 2-1 home win against Brentford.

Hurzeler told a press conference: “We have good team news – all the players who were available last weekend are still available, so that’s a positive one.

“Tommy came back into training this week. We have tried to create more availability. James is getting close. Kaoru is getting close. I am quite positive that we see both James and Kaoru before Christmas.”

Hurzeler: Mitoma is a game-changer

Diego Gomez has mainly played on the left in Mitoma’s absence, while Watson and Ferdi Kadioglu are also capable of filling the left flank role.

Hurzeler added: “We always have players who can replace injured players. We have big potential in our squad, but for sure every team has players who are just as outstanding, who are game changers, who are match winners.

“Kaoru proved last season that he's one of these players who really helps us, and I really hope that he comes back quickly.

“On the other side, we know that we are strong without him, it's just a different profile that we replace him in the team with. I have a big trust in the squad that is available now.”

Milner made his 645th top-flight appearance in Brighton’s 4-2 defeat at Manchester United in October and needs nine more to break Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League record of 653.

Lewis Dunk has recovered from the illness which restricted him to a second-half appearance off the bench against Brentford, while Adam Webster and Solly March (both knee) remain long-term absentees.

The Seagulls are currently sixth in the table, two points behind the top four, after just three defeats in 12 league games this season.

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