Brighton vs Nottingham Forest: FA Cup quarter-final squad updates
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that star winger Kaoru Mitoma is dealing with a “small issue” ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Nottingham Forest.
Mitoma has been a key player this season, contributing eight goals and three assists in all competitions. Despite picking up an unspecified problem while on international duty with Japan, he is still expected to feature in Saturday’s match at the Amex Stadium.
Meanwhile, Pervis Estupinan, Joao Pedro, and Diego Gomez are also set to play despite their recent long-haul trips with Ecuador, Brazil, and Paraguay.
“So far so good,” said Hurzeler. “I didn’t see them [Estupinan, Pedro, Gomez], but from what I heard, they are in good spirits. Mitoma has a minor issue after his first game, but I think they will all be fine and available to start.”
There is also positive news for captain Lewis Dunk, who returns after a six-game absence due to a rib injury. However, he may have to settle for a place on the bench as Adam Webster has impressed in his absence.
Hurzeler emphasized Dunk’s importance at this stage of the season, saying, “He is our skipper, a leader on and off the pitch, and you need leaders in this phase of the season. He remains a great player who impacts the game both in and out of possession.
“He is really motivated to be back and help the team. While we have done well without him, having more leaders on the pitch—especially the captain—makes a team more successful.”
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