Huge boost as influential Brighton midfielder declared fit to face Manchester United

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Davy Propper is fit and raring to go as Brighton look for back to back victories in the Premier League when they welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

The midfield has been an area of big decisions and close scrutiny ahead of the match and Propper's fitness is a huge boost for Graham Potter's men.

Propper is yet to feature in the Premier League this season as he regains full fitness following an Achilles problem. The Dutch international has however played in both of Albion's Carabao victories this season and he completed a full 90 minutes on Wednesday at Preston.

Yves Bissouma has been a reliable and key man for Brighton of late but the Mali international is suspended following his late red card during the 3-0 win at Newcastle last Sunday.

Experienced campaigner Dale Stephens was allowed to depart and yesterday he finalised his £1m switch to Premier League rivals Burnley on a two-year contract.

Colombia international Steven Alzate has started both Premier League matches for Albion so far this season. Alzate, 22, is a composed performer and a big reason why Albion allowed Stephens to depart.

Jayson Molumby, 21, is also in consideration for Manchester United. The Republic of Ireland international was excellent while on loan at Millwall last season and was rested for Preston, with a view of Saturday's match.

A youthful central pairing of Alzate and Molumby to face a United midfield including Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes would be a bold move from Potter who may well favour the experience of Propper.

"We took the decision and felt it was important for Davy to get some minutes on the pitch (at Preston) and get some game time in his legs," Potter said.

"He hasn't had a game for a while, his previous one was Portsmouth, it was important for him to do that.

"The job now is to recover him so he is available for Manchester United. That's the idea."

Of Molumby, Potter added: "I think people have put two and two together a little bit because he wasn't involved at Preston.

"Jayson's got some fantastic attributes and great qualities. A really competitive guy, wants to play football, wants to play for Brighton, wants to help his team-mates.

"He's a really good person to have around and we're excited for him and his future."

Bissouma's suspension is a blow for the Albion. It took a while for the 24-year-old to convince Potter he should be a regular starter but he was one of Brighton's best players towards the end of last campaign and also began this season well.

He served the first of his three match ban against Preston, a match he would have featured in anyway and he will also miss Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Manchester United at the Amex.

"Obviously you always miss players but it’s an opportunity for someone else," said Potter. "We have a few options. We’ll see how training goes before we make a decision but we have a few options."