Mats Wieffer
BHA
Right Back
Possession Builder
Nov 16, 1999 (26)
Right
6'2"
172 lb
In contention for Wednesday
Wieffer (knee) is expected to travel with Brighton for the upcoming EFL Cup and Premier League encounters against Manchester City, potentially returning to competitive action Wednesday, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus. "Yes, we will try to take them to Manchester."
Analysis: Wieffer is approaching his comeback after nearly two months on the sidelines with a knee injury sustained during Brighton's Aug. 30 Premier League encounter against Chelsea. The Dutch international suffered the injury following an awkward fall after being struck in the face by the ball and has remained unavailable since. However, his recovery has progressed sufficiently for coach Hurzeler to identify him as a potential option for the upcoming matches against Manchester City. Brighton intend to bring Wieffer on the trip for Wednesday's EFL Cup encounter and Saturday's Premier League fixture, although his inclusion in either matchday squad remains unconfirmed. The 26-year-old offers valuable versatility through his ability to operate in central midfield and at right-back, particularly with Ferdi Kadioglu recovering from a hip injury. After such an extended absence, Wieffer could initially receive limited minutes as he works toward regaining full match fitness.
Could return next week
Wieffer remains unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool but could return to action next week against Manchester City as he continues making progress in his recovery from a knee injury, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Wieffer is approaching a return to competitive action after spending nearly two months on the sidelines with a knee injury sustained during Brighton's Aug. 30 encounter against Chelsea, when he fell awkwardly after being struck in the face by the ball. The versatile midfielder, who has also featured at right-back this season, remains unavailable for Sunday's trip to Liverpool but could be back in contention as early as next week for the clash against Man City, suggesting his rehabilitation is progressing well. Although coach Hurzeler has yet to confirm an exact return date, the latest update represents an encouraging development after several weeks of uncertainty surrounding his recovery. Ferdi Kadioglu and Costinha should continue competing for playing time on the right side of Brighton's defense in his absence. Wieffer will likely need to rebuild his match fitness gradually once cleared to return, although his potential availability next week would provide Brighton with additional defensive and midfield options.
Still sidelined against Crystal Palace
Wieffer (knee) remains unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace despite making progress in his recovery, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Wieffer continues to recover from the knee injury he sustained during Brighton's Aug. 30 matchup against Chelsea, when he fell awkwardly after being struck in the face by the ball. The midfielder, who has also been deployed at right-back this season, has been sidelined for several weeks and remains short of a return to competitive action. Coach Hurzeler's latest comments suggest Wieffer could be back relatively soon, although no specific timeline has been established. His continued absence should leave Ferdi Kadioglu and Costinha competing for minutes on the right side of Brighton's defense against Crystal Palace, with Wieffer's availability for subsequent fixtures dependent on his progress in training.
Set to miss Sunderland clash
Wieffer (knee) remains unavailable for Saturday's Premier League matchup against Sunderland despite making progress in his recovery, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Wieffer has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury during the Aug. 30 clash against Chelsea, when he fell awkwardly after being struck in the face by the ball. The midfielder, who has recently been deployed at right-back, had initially been targeting a return following the international break, but Saturday's matchup appears to come too soon. His continued absence should leave Ferdi Kadioglu and Costinha competing for minutes on the right side of Brighton's defense until Wieffer is cleared to return.
Expected back at Sunderland
Wieffer (knee) is expected to be fit for Saturday's match against Sunderland, Derren Howard of Sussex Express reports.
Analysis: Wieffer hurt his knee when a ball hit him in the face during the Aug. 30 clash with Chelsea and he fell awkwardly. The midfielder, now converted to right-back, has been sidelined since that game, with the club pointing to post-international break fixtures as the target for his return. He'll add to the strength of a team already in good form, possibly entering a rotation with Ferdi Kadioglu and Costinha on the defensive flank.
Out until after international break
Wieffer (knee) will be out until after the international break, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Wieffer had already raised concern after being left off Brighton's Conference League roster, and this confirmation now gives a clearer picture of his extended absence. He had contributed two shots, two chances created, six interceptions and four tackles over two starts before the injury, and Ferdi Kadioglu or Costinha figure to fill in at right back during his time out.
Excluded from UECL squad list
Wieffer (knee) could be dealing with a long-term issue after being left out of Brighton's official roster for the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League.
Analysis: The severity of Wieffer's injury is yet to be confirmed by the club, but the fact that he's not registered for the European competition adds to the uncertainty of the situation. If he ends up missing a significant period, the team will need to make an adjustment at right-back, with either Ferdi Kadioglu moving from the opposite flank or Costinha filling in directly. Wieffer had produced two shots, two chances created, six interceptions, four tackles prior to the injury.
Dealing with potential knee issue
Wieffer (knee) is uncertain for Saturday's clash against Leeds United after reportedly picking up a knee issue against Chelsea last week, according to Sussexexpress.
Analysis: Wieffer's potential absence would be a significant blow for Brighton, as the Dutchman started each of the opening two Premier League matches of the season at right-back and appears to be the preferred option at the position when healthy. His status will therefore be worth monitoring closely ahead of Saturday's contest. If Wieffer is unable to recover in time, Costinha and Ferdi Kadioglu are the leading candidates to replace him.
Records three blocks
Wieffer generated one shot (zero on goal) and four crosses (one accurate) in Sunday's 4-3 loss against Chelsea.
Analysis: Wieffer demonstrated his versatility by starting in central midfield after also being capable of operating in defense. He contributed significantly without the ball, recording three blocks and two interceptions, while also delivering four crosses and attempting one shot across 80 minutes. His ability to fill multiple positions while providing defensive work rate and involvement going forward should make him a valuable and flexible option for Brighton throughout the season.
Effective in season opener
Wieffer had one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 4-0 victory against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Wieffer registered one cross and three interceptions in Sunday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa, delivering a solid performance from right-back. His defensive awareness and ability on the ball allow him to contribute on both sides of the ball, while his two goals and three assists across 26 Premier League appearances last season highlight his attacking upside. Wieffer's versatility should continue to make him a valuable option across multiple positions as the campaign progresses.
Starting in defense
Wieffer (ankle) is in the starting XI for Sunday's season finale against Manchester United.
Analysis: Wieffer made his return from the ankle issue that had ruled him out of the last two fixtures, with coach Fabian Hurzeler handing him a starting role after confirming he would be an option for the final match of the campaign. The versatile midfielder has been one of Brighton's most important players this season, and his immediate return to the lineup is a significant boost for the Seagulls heading into the Manchester United clash. He has contributed two goals, three assists, 71 clearances, 64 tackles and 20 chances created across 25 Premier League appearances this season.
Option to return
Wieffer (ankle) is an option to return for Sunday's season finale against Manchester United, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Wieffer had been ruled out of the Leeds United fixture as he continued to manage an ankle issue, but coach Hurzeler's positive update is an encouraging sign heading into the final fixture of the campaign. The versatile midfielder has been one of Brighton's most important players this season with two goals, three assists, 71 clearances, 64 tackles and 20 chances created across 25 Premier League appearances, and getting him back for the Manchester United clash is a welcome boost for the Seagulls heading into the season finale.
Misses call Sunday
Wieffer (ankle) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Leeds United.
Analysis: Wieffer has been unable to pass his fitness assessment despite manager Fabian Hurzeler expressing optimism about his availability after the right-back had been trending in the right direction following his failure to clear a late fitness test ahead of last weekend's fixture against Wolverhampton. Brighton will have to continue deploying Ferdi Kadioglu out of position at right-back, with the coach unable to restore his preferred defensive setup for the penultimate fixture of the season. Wieffer has started 22 of his 25 Premier League appearances this term, tallying two goals, three assists, 71 clearances, 64 tackles and 20 chances created, and his availability for the season finale will be monitored closely.
Could be available Sunday
Wieffer (ankle) could be an option for Sunday's game against Leeds United, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. "Yes, there's an option that he'll be available on Sunday, but therefore, we have to wait the next two, three days."
Analysis: Wieffer didn't pass a late fitness test to face Wolverhampton the past weekend, but the right-back is trending in the right direction toward being available here. If he's ready to go, he could start right away in place of Ferdi Kadioglu, a left-back who started on the right flank the last time out against the Molineux side. Wieffer has started in 22 of his 25 Premier League appearances this season, tallying two goals, three assists, 71 clearances, 64 tackles and 20 chances created.
Out to face Wolves
Wieffer (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Wieffer has been unable to pass his fitness assessment after coach Fabian Hurzeler had already described his involvement as unlikely following the ankle injury that forced him off in the 18th minute of last weekend's clash against Newcastle. The Dutch right-back is an undisputed starter for Brighton, and his absence leaves a notable gap at right-back, with Ferdi Kadioglu starting on the right flank to cover in his place. Hurzeler made clear he was unwilling to rush him back before he is genuinely ready, with Wieffer's availability for the coming fixtures to be monitored closely.
Tight call for Saturday
Wieffer (ankle) is tight for Saturday's clash against Wolves and will be assessed, though his involvement looks unlikely, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Wieffer had been forced off in the 18th minute of last weekend's clash against Newcastle with an ankle injury, making his fitness a major concern heading into the weekend. The Dutch right-back is an undisputed starter for Brighton and Joel Veltman is expected to cover if he cannot be cleared, with manager Hurzeler unwilling to rush him back before he is genuinely ready.
Subbed off injured
Wieffer was forced off in the first half of Saturday's clash against Newcastle United due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Wieffer was forced off in the 18th minute of Saturday's clash against Newcastle United due to an apparent injury and will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue. His potential absence would be a significant blow for his team, as he is an undisputed starter in the back line, with Joel Veltman expected to start in his place if he is ruled out.
Available despite ankle issue
Wieffer trained all week despite an ongoing minor ankle issue and is available for Saturday's clash against Newcastle, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Wieffer has been an undisputed starter at right-back for Brighton since late February and the club has no intention of holding him out despite the ankle complaint, which has clearly not been serious enough to disrupt his training schedule. Joel Veltman remains on standby if any last-minute concerns emerge, but all signs point toward Wieffer taking his usual spot in the lineup against the Magpies.
Nets a brace
Wieffer scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Wieffer put in both of his team's goals in Saturday's win on just two shots. He should continue having success in front of goal against Tottenham, a side flirting with relegation which has let in 50 goals so far this season.
Two shots in win
Wieffer registered two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Liverpool. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.
Analysis: Wieffer took a pair of shots during Saturday's win. The right-back wasn't overly-involved in the attack, but he got forward in some limited chances. Wieffer hasn't been excellent going forward in recent weeks, but he's started five matches in a row now that he's back fit. Wieffer produced three assists in 13 starts prior to his injury.
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