Joao Pedro Set to Return for Brighton Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Joao Pedro is expected to be fit for the team’s upcoming match against Manchester City on Saturday. This news comes as a significant boost to the Seagulls, as Pedro, last season’s top scorer, has been out with an ankle injury since September, missing the last six Premier League games.

Pedro’s recovery is timely, as Brighton prepares to face Manchester City at the Amex Stadium. Additionally, summer signing Matt O’Riley is also in contention to return, having been absent since an injury on his club debut against Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup on August 27.

Hurzeler expressed optimism about the potential returns, stating, “Some of them for sure will return. I think especially Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley they have a big chance.”

However, other players remain uncertain for the match. Lewis Dunk, Yankuba Minteh, and Yasin Ayari are listed as doubts, while Solly March remains out due to his injury. Hurzeler noted, “Minteh and Lewis Dunk we have to see the next days. For Solly it’s too early. He (Ayari) will train today so I think he might be an option for the weekend.”

The match against Manchester City is crucial, as Brighton aims to inflict a fourth consecutive defeat on City for the first time in the Pep Guardiola era. Despite the challenge, Hurzeler remains respectful of City’s prowess, saying, “We always see an opportunity, we always see a chance, of course we have a lot of respect for them because City, for me, are still the best team in the world, the best manager in the world.”