Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler could have two players back at his disposal as the Seagulls go in search of revenge against Liverpool at Anfield.
Hurzeler’s side could not complete a late comeback as they fell to a 3-2 defeat after slipping 2-0 behind against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup. Fate has offered a chance at redemption just days later in the Premier League.
Brighton have already taken points from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United this season and will hope to see the Reds falter in the title race this weekend. The 31-year-old Hurzeler will have additional tools to consider on Sautday afternoon.
Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley have returned to training for the south coast club, and though they still must prove their fitness, it is a boost for the German coach. Pedro has been absent from the Seagulls’ squad since September when he suffered an ankle injury under a challenge from Morgan Gibbs-White.
“We have to see – he is coming back after a long injury – if he will be an option, but he is back in training,” said Hurzeler, ahead of the Liverpool clash.
O’Riley meanwhile has played just nine minutes for the club since joining from Celtic in the summer. The Fulham academy product required surgery after picking up an ankle injury when he was challenged by Crawley Town’s Jay Williams, on his debut.
“Matt O’Riley is back in training,” Hurzeler said. “We have to see when he will be ready for potential playing in the squad.
“We didn’t expect him to be back this quickly but we have great experts in our medical team. He’s worked hard in rehab and he’s a very good character. We’re looking forward to having him on the pitch.”
Hurzeler will hope his side can be more ruthless against Liverpool at the second time of asking. The young coach was left frustrated by the wasteful nature his side’s performance.
“It’s disappointing to be knocked out of the cup but we were not ruthless enough, and I think that was the difference,” said Hurzeler.
“Liverpool scored at the right moments. They scored out of nowhere with an unbelievable shot. They had the timing on their side today and we were not able to reply at the right moments.
“We had a lot of positive things but of course also negative things, otherwise you wouldn’t lose the match.”
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