Albion handed major injury boost as star man returns

Albion have been handed major injury boosts in their quest for European football for the final three games of the season.

The battle for Europe…

The Seagulls travel to Wolverhampton this weekend in chase of a win to keep their dreams alive for Europa Conference League. However you look at it, considering the forms of both Brentford and Bournemouth, the competition for 8th place is hotter than it has been all season.

Of course, Crystal Palace can still (frustratingly) change the fortunes. An FA Cup victory at Wembley would secure Europe for the arch rivals, and in turn, removing the eighth position from qualification

Head coach Fabian Hürzeler was without Kaoru Mitoma last week, a noticeable absence whenever he is unavailable. Mixed messages over a ‘heel’ injury turned out to be his back problem, which has trouble the Japanese superstar for some time now.

Albion were boosted last week by the returns of defenders recently announced double awards winner, Jan Paul Van Hecke, along with Joël Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, Igor, and Adam Webster.

Who is back this week?

A rather double-edged sword of news breaks in Hürzeler’s press conference this morning.

Kaoru Mitoma is available for selection, the headline news of the week. Mitoma’s ability is undeniably irreplaceable amongst the squad. Just having our Japanese man back on the pitch enables that optimism, even if he doesn’t score, that something could happen.

Solly March is the latest to be confirmed that he will not feature again this season. Unfortunate for March, who has proved his worth when he has played this season.

Against all the odds, ‘one of our own’ Hailsham star had returned from his previous double knee injury, sustained at Manchester City back in October 2023.

James Milner and Ferdi Kadıoğlu continue to be sidelined after a frustrating season for the duo.

Hürzeler hinted Georginio Rutter could make a return before the end of the season, but the trip to the West Midlands comes too soon for him.