Brighton explain Yankuba Minteh injury after Burnley absence

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has explained why Yankuba Minteh was unavailable for Saturday’s win over Burnley, admitting the winger was not fully fit despite hopes of a return.

The 21-year-old now faces a race against time to be available for Brighton’s upcoming trip to Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Minteh picked up a dead leg during Brighton’s 2–2 draw away at West Ham United on December 30 and subsequently missed the 2–0 victory against Burnley at the Amex Stadium.

Hurzeler had sounded optimistic prior to kick-off, but the match ultimately came too soon.

“I wouldn’t say it was a setback,” Hurzeler said. “He was just not 100 per cent fit. We had to make a decision, so unfortunately he was not able to play.”

Minteh has been an important outlet for Brighton this season, contributing three assists and one goal across 19 appearances in all competitions.

Brighton sit eighth in the Premier League and face a demanding run of fixtures, travelling to the Etihad on Wednesday before heading north again on Sunday to face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.

The tight turnaround leaves little margin for error in managing Minteh’s recovery, particularly given the importance of his pace and directness against elite opposition.

Midfielder Mats Wieffer is also a doubt after missing the last two matches with a toe injury, though Joel Veltman has impressed deputising in his absence.

Solly March continues to edge closer to a return from long-term knee problems, but the Manchester City match is expected to arrive too soon.

Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas remain long-term absentees, while Carlos Baleba is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon.

Saturday’s victory ended Brighton’s six-game winless run and was a welcome release for Hurzeler and his staff.

“Everyone was happy when we won,” he said. “The run wasn’t great, but we always stuck together. The effort from the players and staff has always been good, and when you work hard, eventually you get what you deserve.”

Minteh’s availability could be decisive against Manchester City, but Brighton are clearly prioritising long-term fitness over short-term risk. With fixtures piling up, Hurzeler’s selection decisions will be shaped as much by recovery data as tactical need.