Yasin Ayari
BHA
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Oct 6, 2003 (22)
Right
5'8"
152 lb
BrightonTwo shots in return
Ayari registered two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Ayari returned to the starting 11, having been out injured for the last game. He had started against Aston Villa in the opener and then in the Conference League. He took two shots in the game, putting one on target and did produce one chance created.
Starting in midfield
Ayari (ankle) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Leeds United.
Analysis: Ayari passed his late fitness test after coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed he could be an option, earning a starting role in central midfield after being left out of the squad for the recent match against Chelsea due to the ankle injury. The midfielder's return spares Hurzeler from having to continue relying on the Malick Yalcouye and Pascal Gross pairing that had stepped in during his absence, with Ayari reclaiming his spot in the middle of the park. His clearance after the final training session of the week is a timely boost for Brighton heading into the Leeds United fixture.
Could be an option Saturday
Ayari (ankle) could be an option for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Ayari had been left out of the squad for the recent match against Chelsea due to an ankle injury, with Malick Yalcouye stepping in alongside Pascal Gross in central midfield during his absence. His potential return now positions him to reclaim his spot in the middle of the park, and further clarity on his status should emerge after the final training session of the Seagulls.
Left out against Chelsea
Ayari (undisclosed) is not included in Brighton's squad for Sunday's clash against Chelsea due to an injury, according to Andy Naylor.
Analysis: Ayari unexpectedly drops out of the squad Sunday, with his absence reportedly injury-related rather than connected to his future at the club. The nature and severity of the issue have yet to be disclosed, so more information regarding his condition and potential recovery timeline should emerge in the coming days. Malick Yalcouye starts alongside Pascal Gross in central midfield in Ayari's absence, giving Brighton a new combination in the middle of the pitch.
Productive in midfield
Ayari recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-0 victory versus Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 11th minute.
Analysis: Ayari registered two shots in Sunday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa and played a key role in the fourth goal, dispossessing Joao Gomes before Jack Hinshelwood finished the move. The midfielder combined aggressive pressing with energetic forward runs, allowing him to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Ayari's work rate and ability to win possession in advanced areas should keep him involved in midfield as the campaign progresses.
Set for season
Ayari is in pre-season training with Brighton as he competes for minutes in the starting rotation to start the season.
Analysis: Ayari had a standout game with Sweden in the first match of the World Cup and quickly put his name on the map as the 2026/27 season approached, with two beautiful goals scored. He wouldn't score again or earn an assist in the next three games, although he still started and proved to be effective. He will now hope to continue this into the 2026/27 season as he looks to have an everyday starting role, a spot he mainly held during the last campaign if it wasn't for a couple of lingering injuries. With three goals and three assists in 29 appearances (20 starts) last season, he does have the quality that could take a jump if on the field the whole season. However, the squad holds viable options in midfield with Pascal Gross and Carlos Baleba also available, so there is a bit of competition in the midfield.
Two crosses, zero shots during R32
Ayari logged two inaccurate crosses and one chance created during Sweden's 3-0 loss to France on Tuesday.
Analysis: Usually active for Sweden, Ayari playing against arguably the World Cup's most proven team Tuesday resulted in sparse opportunities. For the tournament, both of Ayari's total and accurate crosses are his tourney-lows. Like the Swedes' group-stage finale, he did not attempt a shot during their knockout game. For the tournament, his four appearances feature two goals on seven shots (three on goal), 19 crosses (five accurate), nine corners and five accurate crosses. Defensively, Ayari logged four clearances and three interceptions.
Eight crosses in 1-1 draw
Ayari registered eight crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Japan.
Analysis: Ayari took five corners on his way to attempting eight crosses as Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan. He completed three of these crosses to help him create three chances. In total, he has completed five of his 17 crosses throughout the tournament and created four chances. The midfielder also drew three more fouls, in order to draw six fouls across the three games, and this was the first game where he didn't foul an opposition player.
Five shots in loss
Ayari had five shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 5-1 loss versus Netherlands. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 75th minute.
Analysis: Ayari took five shots after his goalscoring escapades in the first match of the World Cup, but he wasn't nearly as productive this time around. He couldn't get involved in good spots, and managed to put only a single shot on goal. It was a disappointing match for all involved as Ayari and co. look towards a win on matchday three to advance.
Bags brace in Tunisia clash
Ayari scored two goals to go with two shots (two on target), five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 5-1 win over Tunisia.
Analysis: Ayari opened and closed the scoring with two goals from outside the box, benefitting from the opposing goalie coming out too aggressively on the first one, eluding a pair of defenders and slotting it in the empty net, while he rounded out the result late with a precise cross-shot from distance. He pulled the strings in the midfield and paced his team in crosses, albeit with limited precision. He was also credited with a secondary assist for contributing to one of the other goals. He scored three times and provided three assists in 29 matches (20 starts) with Brighton last season.
Midfield creator for Sweden
Ayari has been named in Sweden's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, arriving at the tournament after a solid Premier League campaign that highlighted his value as both a creative and set-piece specialist.
Analysis: Ayari contributed three goals and three assists across 29 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a consistent and well-rounded output that underlines his importance to Sweden's midfield structure. His set-piece responsibilities for the national team add a particularly valuable dimension to his role, with his delivery from dead-ball situations a potential match-winning weapon in a tournament where margins are often tight. Beyond his creative contribution, Ayari's ability to arrive late into the box, combine quickly in tight spaces and cover the ground between the lines gives Sweden a dynamic and multi-dimensional presence in the center of the park. His Premier League experience prepares him well for the physical intensity of a major tournament, and manager Jon Dahl Tomasson will be counting on him to influence matches at the critical moments this summer.
Tallies an assist
Ayari assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Burnley.
Analysis: Ayari didn't put in any crosses but he did create two chances and got an assist in the process. The midfielder has a favorable matchup against Tottenham to continue putting up good numbers. Spurs have allowed 50 goals so far this season and are in danger of being relegated.
Listed to bench
Ayari (shoulder) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Ayari will not miss any more time with his shoulder injury after five games out, returning to a spot on the bench. With 18 starts in 21 appearances this campaign, he will look to be back in a starting role soon, notching three goals and two assists this season.
Likely available Wednesday
Ayari (shoulder) should be an option for Wednesday's clash against Arsenal, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus. "I am quite confident he will be an option tomorrow."
Analysis: Ayari has missed the last five matches with a shoulder injury but returned to full-contact training and is trending toward being available for Wednesday's showdown against Arsenal. Barring any setbacks before kickoff, the midfielder should be back in the matchday squad and likely ease in off the bench after a month on the sidelines. From there, he is expected to work his way back into his regular starting role in the heart of the Seagulls' midfield once he regains full match fitness.
Expected to train Thursday
Ayari (shoulder) is expected to train Thursday for the first time and remains a doubt for Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to BBC Sussex Sport.
Analysis: Ayari has missed the last four matches with a shoulder injury, but the midfielder is on track to rejoin team training in Thursday's session for the first time since going down. That's an encouraging step forward for the Seagulls, though he still carries a question mark heading into Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest. Ayari has been a steady presence in the middle of the park when healthy, so if he's forced to sit out again, Jack Hinshelwood would continue to see an uptick in minutes and responsibility.
Will resume training next week
Ayari (shoulder) remains out but should resume team training next week, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to BBC Sussex Sport.
Analysis: Ayari has missed the last three games in all competitions with a shoulder injury and is set to sit out a fourth, as he is only expected to return to team training next week with the Seagulls. It is a tough setback for Albion given he is a regular starter when healthy and his absence disrupts the usual midfield balance. With Ayari sidelined, Jack Hinshelwood is in line for an expanded role in the center of the park and should continue to log heavier minutes.
Expected back soon
Ayari (shoulder) was mentioned by coach Fabian Hurzeler, who said in Thursday's press conference that the player "is still missing. He is doing rehab, but he's getting closer. We expect him to be back soon."
Analysis: Ayari is still sidelined for the cup visit to Liverpool while he recovers from the issue that forced him to miss the last two league games. Having scored two goals and two assists over his latest five appearances, the midfielder will look to boost his team's all-around value in the short term, pushing to regain a starting spot from either Jack Hinshelwood or Carlos Baleba.
Suffers shoulder injury
Ayari suffered a shoulder injury during the clash against Everton and is ruled out for Sunday's game against Crystal Palace, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference. "It's not a major issue but Yasin won't be an option on Sunday."
Analysis: Ayari won't be an option for Sunday's clash against Crystal Palace as he needs to recover from a shoulder injury suffered in the previous match against the Toffees. His absence is a hit for the Seagulls, as Ayari has been a regular presence in midfield this season, and it will force a reshuffle in the center of the park. Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O'Riley are the leading candidates to step into larger roles as a result.
Sets up opener
Ayari assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Ayari set up Pascal Gross for the opener in the 73rd minute. Ayari also recorded 40 passes and made two tackles and a clearance. Ayari has been sensational in 2026, now registering four goal contributions in last four games.
Scores vs. Fulham
Ayari scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Fulham.
Analysis: Ayari broke the deadlock for Brighton with a thunderous strike in the first half in what was his third goal of the season. The midfielder has cracked the scoresheet in his last three EPL appearances, tallying two goals and one assist over that span.
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