Stefanos Tzimas is closing in on a return to Brighton & Hove Albion's first team as he recovers from a serious knee injury. The Greek attacker has been out since December 2025 after sustaining an ACL injury against Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the positive update this week. Tzimas is currently training with the club's under-21 squad and is aiming to integrate with the senior group imminently. "He has the mindset from a winner and therefore we are looking forward to having him back in our squad," Hurzeler said. His potential return comes with Brighton sitting third in the Premier League on 16 points from eight games, a record of five wins, one draw and two losses, and just five points behind the leaders.

Coach's cautious optimism

Hurzeler highlighted Tzimas's importance but stressed the need for patience. The manager pointed to the 22-year-old's impact in his limited appearances before the setback. Tzimas made 12 first-team appearances following his £22m move in 2025, scoring three goals and providing two assists. "It's important that you can fully recover and get back on his highest level," Hurzeler added, emphasizing they do not want to force his return.

The potential boost comes at a key moment. Brighton sit third in the Premier League standings with 16 points from eight games. Their next fixture is a trip to league leaders Manchester City on Saturday 31 October, a side they drew 2-2 with just three days ago in a match where Malick Yalcouyé and Georginio Rutter scored for Albion. That result leaves Albion five points behind City in the title race. The team's recent form across all competitions shows two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings, following a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool and a goalless draw with FK Jablonec after victories over Crystal Palace, Kauno Žalgiris and Sunderland.

Brighton's recent form has been strong, with the team unbeaten in their last five league matches, a run that includes four wins. Their attack has been particularly potent, scoring 23 league goals so far this season while conceding only seven. The club's top scorer is C. Kostoulas with three. Tzimas's return would add another option to that forward line. His comeback trail is being managed carefully, with the immediate focus on rejoining full training ahead of the key Etihad Stadium encounter.

The report in full is at wscountytimes.co.uk