Tariq Lamptey injury update Brighton fans wanted to hear ahead of Manchester United

Brighton's impressive defender Tariq Lamptey looks set to play a key role for Albion as Manchester United visit the Amex Stadium this Saturday (12.30pm)
Tariq Lamptey was taken off after 60 minutes against Newcastle after an impressive display at St James' ParkTariq Lamptey was taken off after 60 minutes against Newcastle after an impressive display at St James' Park
Tariq Lamptey was taken off after 60 minutes against Newcastle after an impressive display at St James' Park

Lamptey was excellent during the 3-0 victory at Newcastle last Sunday but was forced off the pitch on 58 minutes after taking a few hefty blows from the Newcastle defence.

The 19-year-old former Chelsea right back has made 10 appearances for Albion following his £3m arrival from Stamford Bridge last January and the England under-21 has quickly established himself as a firm favourite with Brighton fans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His pace and attacking play, coupled with his defensive skills, has added another dimension to Graham Potter's team and the Albion head coach believes he will be fit to face Manchester United this Saturday.

The fixture is a repeat of Lamptey’s home Premier League debut, when a rampant United side ran out 3-0 victors in Sussex less than three months ago.

"We’re okay," said Potter. "We just need to take today and tomorrow to recover the boys that played last night (Preston) which is normal but I think most of them will be fine for the United game.

"And then we haven’t got anything else reported. Tariq was receiving some treatment this week but he trained today. So, hopefully, no further problems for him."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lamptey impressed the Albion management from day one having spent his entire youth career at Chelsea. Potter has been impressed with his down to earth attitude as well his ability on the pitch.

"As impressive as he is for footballing ability, as a person I think he’s a fantastic role model," Potter said. "There’s a perception that you have to be a certain way to succeed in this cynical and horrible world we live in.

"But he’s the opposite in terms of being just a really, really nice down to earth kid who wants to learn and wants to improve and wants to help the team. He’s been fantastic."

Lamptey made his debut for Albion after the lockdown period last season and had a bruising first outing at the King Power Stadium during an important 0-0 draw with Leicester.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He showed glimpses of his potential against the Foxes and then went on to be one of Albion's best players as they secured a fourth consecutive season in the top flight.

"His debut was away at Leicester which isn’t easy and he took a few whacks in the game," said Potter. "He got a blooded face and we got a clean sheet in the game and an important point for us.

"We then faced Manchester United who were probably the best team at that point – really, really strong. It was a difficult night but he’s that type of character that he doesn’t get too excited when things go well ad doesn’t get too down when things go not so well.

"So he’s quite consistent in his behaviour and, again, just does his best, works hard and waits for the next opportunity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He’s 19. He’s just starting out. I think he’s got a long way to go to reach his potential and to reach his maximum which is normal.

"But he’s got attributes which are really exciting. They are not so common I would say, the things that he has. I’m talking about his speed, his courage, his intelligence, it’s his interpersonal skills, how he is as a lad.

"It’s not so easy to find those guys. Yeah, he’s important to us, of course."

Yves Bissouma is unavailable to face Man United following his red card at Newcastle. He received a three match ban and will return for the trip to Everton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Davy Propper is available after completing a full 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup win at Preston on Wednesday, following an Achilles problem.

Midfielder Dale Stephens is set to complete a £1m move to Premier League rivals Burnley, which could see 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international Jayson Molumby make his Premier League debut against Manchester United.

"I think people have put two and two together a little bit because he (Molumby) wasn't involved at Preston," said Potter. "But 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."