Yankuba Minteh absence explained for Brighton vs Burnley; two key stars missing from squad but talisman makes first start in more than three months
Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh has not recovered in time to face Burnley in the Premier League – but Kaoru Mitoma has been named in the starting XI for the first time since September.
The Gambian hobbled off the pitch with a thigh injury in the 2-2 draw at West Ham last time out but a scan revealed less damage than first feared.
Fabian Hurzeler said: “The scan is fine. It was just a dead leg. Let's see how training goes today, then we see if he can start or not.”
Minteh, 21, has struggled to impose himself in recent months but showed signs of his best at Arsenal and West Ham – so his absence is a blow.
The hosts will also be without another former Feyenoord player in Mats Wieffer.
The £25m Dutchman – who can play in midfield or right-back – missed the clash against West Ham with a toe issue and this Saturday arrives too soon.
Hurzeler explained: “Mats Wieffer had a small issue with with his toe, so he won't be available tomorrow, but I hope it's not a big issue.”
Joel Veltman, who scored his first goal of 2025 in the draw at West Ham, continue in the right back role.
Also in the starting line-up – for the first time since the 3-1 win at Chelsea on September 27 – is Kaoru Mitoma.
The left winger has made three substitute appearances in the previous four games – but missed the match at the Emirates due to illness. He had previously been nursing a long-term foot injury, which took longer to heal from than expected.
Ahead of the visit of Burnley, Hurzeler said: “I think he [Mitoma] can be an option. I think he played well. He had an impact when he came on the pitch. We know he's a quality player for us, so therefore we are happy that he's back.”
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