Brighton & Hove Albion could receive a major fitness boost with Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer nearing returns ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Liverpool. The Reds will be without key duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz due to injuries sustained in their win over Brentford last weekend.

Manager Andoni Iraola provided a positive update on Friday. "Bradley has trained today normally. He's fine with no problem," Iraola said, confirming Bradley Barcola's availability. The winger's fitness is a welcome sight for a Brighton side sitting third in the Premier League with 16 points from seven games, a record of five wins and a draw from one loss. The team's recent form shows three wins and a draw from the last five league matches, part of a strong start that has seen them score 23 goals while conceding only five.

Liverpool's absentees

Liverpool's preparations have been hit by the confirmed absences of Szoboszlai and Munoz. Both players missed the midweek victory over Villarreal and are not expected to recover in time. Ryan Gravenberch is eligible again after serving a one-match suspension, offering some midfield reinforcement. The club's long-term injury list still includes Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni.

This match is the fifth of nine in a demanding 28-day period for Liverpool across three competitions. Their depth will be tested against a Brighton team that beat them 2-0 just last month, a result that helped propel the Seagulls to their current lofty league position, now five points behind the leaders.

Brighton's squad status

For Brighton, the potential returns of Minteh and Wieffer would be significant. Minteh has been sidelined since pre-season, while Wieffer injured his knee at the end of August. Pascal Struijk, who has missed the past two matches, continues to be assessed. Diego Gomez and Maxim De Cuyper were rested for Thursday's goalless draw with FK Jablonec and are expected to be fresh.

Goalkeeper Jason Steele missed that Europa Conference League trip to Czechia due to illness but could be back in contention. The club confirmed that Femi Azeez, Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma, Stefanos Tzimas and Zadok Yohanna remain unavailable.

Brighton's form has been strong, with three wins and a draw in their last five league outings, following results including a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace and a 3-0 victory against Arsenal. Their next challenge after Anfield is a huge test away to league leaders Manchester City on October 31st. Top scorer C. Kostoulas, with three goals in seven appearances this season, will be looking to add to his tally against a depleted Liverpool defence. The squad news provides a timely lift before this critical week, which culminates in the trip to face the first-placed side.

The report in full is at liverpoolfc.com