Brighton and Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh is closing in on his first appearance of the season as the Seagulls prepare to play two away games against Manchester City in four days.
The 22-year-old Gambia international stayed with Brighton despite strong interest from Liverpool in the summer but has been sidelined by a foot injury.
Albion face City in the Carabao Cup fourth round tomorrow (Wednesday 28 October) and will stay in the north west before their Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday (31 October).
Minteh and utility player Mats Wieffer, who has missed nine games with a knee issue, are both expected to travel.
But Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has been recovering from a hamstring problem, is likely to remain unavailable until after the international break next month.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler told a press conference: “Yes, we will try to take them to Manchester – so that’s a positive one – that Minteh and Wieffer will be back.
“Kaoru, we need to be a little bit more patient. I don’t expect him to be back before the international break but definitely after the international break.”
Midfielder Chema Andres and full-back Ferdi Kadioglu are doubtful for the cup tie after sustaining hip injuries during the 2-0 top-flight defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (25 October).
Hürzeler said: “We have to see how they train today, if it’s possible if they can train and, if yes, then of course they will be an option for tomorrow.
“But they definitely should be both available for the weekend.”
