Yankuba Minteh
BHA
Right Winger
Left Winger
One-v-One Creator
Jul 22, 2004 (22)
Left
5'11"
143 lb
Could return Wednesday
Minteh (leg) is expected to travel with Brighton for Wednesday's EFL Cup clash against Manchester City as he approaches his return from injury, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus. "Yes, we will try to take them to Manchester."
Analysis: Minteh is closing in on his first competitive appearance of the 2026/27 campaign after spending the opening months of the season recovering from a leg injury. The Gambian winger has yet to feature this season, but his rehabilitation has progressed sufficiently for Brighton to consider bringing him on the trip to Manchester City. Coach Hurzeler indicated that the club intends to include him in the traveling party, although his participation in Wednesday's EFL Cup encounter hasn't been guaranteed. The 22-year-old could make his comeback during the cup fixture or Saturday's Premier League rematch, depending on his fitness and the coaching staff's assessment. Minteh registered three goals and four assists across 34 Premier League appearances, including 26 starts, last season, and his return would strengthen Brighton's attacking depth. Given his lengthy absence, any initial involvement could come in a limited role as he gradually rebuilds his match fitness.
Closing in on return to action
Minteh (leg) remains unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool but could return to the squad next week, with coach Fabian Hurzeler suggesting he should be available for the upcoming matches against Manchester City, according to BBC Sussex Sport.
Analysis: Minteh is making encouraging progress in his recovery from a leg injury that has kept him sidelined throughout the opening months of the 2026/27 campaign. The winger has yet to make a competitive appearance this season, although coach Hurzeler's latest comments suggest he is approaching a return to action. Sunday's trip to Liverpool comes too soon, but the coach indicated that Minteh could become an option next week and should be back in contention for the upcoming encounters against Manchester City. The 22-year-old recorded three goals and four assists across 34 Premier League appearances, including 26 starts, last season and will provide Brighton with another attacking option once fully fit. Maxim De Cuyper has occupied the left flank during his absence, although Minteh could eventually challenge for a starting role after rebuilding his match fitness.
Still working for return
Minteh (leg) remains out as he nears a return to training, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler, per Derren Howard of Sussex Express. "We have Minteh getting closer. Not fit yet, but they're definitely getting closer, and hopefully we'll see them soon back in the squad."
Analysis: Minteh already told reporters a week ago he was nearing a return and has now gotten a further update that reinforces the same idea. This likely leaves the forward with a return in the next two to three weeks, a major boost for a player who has yet to see the field this season due to injury. Once he does see the field, he should be an injection of life to an already solid Brighton squad, scoring three goals and four assists in 34 appearances (26 starts) last campaign. Once fit, he will look to start on the left flank, a spot that Maxim De Cuyper has held to begin the season.
Nearing return
Minteh told reporters that a return is coming "very soon, very soon," according to Donna Staunton of Yahoo Sports.
Analysis: Minteh has not been an option to begin the season due to a leg injury, but is on the mend, with the forward hoping to resume action soon. This was further reinforced by the forward's comments to reporters, as it now appears he could be an option soon after the international break concludes. This will be a major return for Brighton, and in terms of fantasy, as it will add back another one of the major playmakers in the league into the player pool. He will look to claim a starting role once fit and will hope to clear 10 goal contributions, a player of quality who should give the Seagulls a decent boost.
Out two to three months
Minteh is set to be out for two to three months with a leg injury sustained during Saturday's friendly against Roma, according to Andy Naylor.
Analysis: Minteh had to be helped off the field after 59 minutes, with coach Fabian Hurzeler noting at the time it appeared to be a knock higher up the leg rather than around the ankle, and this update confirms the injury is more serious than initially hoped. His absence will be significant given that Kaoru Mitoma isn't 100 percent, either. If both are absent, it could mean a bit of a different look for Brighton's front four early in the season with Maxim De Cuyper possibly being an option to play further forward on the left. Minteh is expected to begin a lengthy recovery process as Brighton's season gets underway without him.
Forced off in Roma friendly
Minteh was helped off the field with a leg injury in Saturday's friendly match against Roma and was mentioned by manager Fabian Hurzeler after the action. "It seems to be a hit. Not particularly in the ankle area, a little bit higher. So therefore, we have to wait how it continues, the pain, and how he progresses. Of course, it's not a great sign if a player has to go off because of pain, but we have to wait for the scan. In general, I'm a positive person, so let's stay positive and wait for the scan."
Analysis: Minteh recorded 59 minutes of play before succumbing to the injury, which puts his presence in upcoming contests at risk. There are still a couple of weeks before the EPL season opener against Aston Villa, and the coach's words suggest optimism as Minteh awaits a full assessment of his injury. He's a strong offensive contributor and his absence would be felt in that zone, with Ibrahim Osman now available as a replacement option if both the Gambian and Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) face extended spells on the sidelines.
11 crosses Sunday
Minteh registered 11 crosses (three accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Leeds United.
Analysis: Minteh recorded 11 crosses in Sunday's loss, the third time in his last five appearances he's recorded at least 11 crosses. Despite that volume he only created one chance and he also did not manage a single shot in the match. He was subbed off in the 93rd minute for Solly March, just before Dominic Calvert-Lewin won the match for Leeds.
Scores to seal 3-0 win
Minteh scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Minteh scored Brighton's third goal as they went on to win 3-0 over Wolves and keep themselves in the hunt for European football. This was the winger's third goal of the season and his first in six games. Minteh has started the last seven games in a row, bringing him to 25 starts from Brighton's 36 games this season. He also created two chances, his best in the last four games.
12 crosses Sunday
Minteh recorded 12 crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Minteh recorded a season-high 12 crosses Saturday, dishing out three accurate crosses and one chance created in the process. While none of that production resulted in an assist, he still put a lot of pressure on the Spurs defense. He also won three tackles as he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since Dec. 13.
Unlucky offensively
Minteh had two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: The forward had a decent outing on the stat sheet but did not come away with a goal or assist on Saturday. There's a strong chance that changes against Tottenham, a team which has allowed a whopping 50 goals in EPL play this season.
Scores only goal in 1-0 win
Minteh scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 74th minute.
Analysis: Minteh scored the only goal as Brighton beat Sunderland 1-0. This was only the winger's second goal of the season, as he has also provided four assists this year. Of the 30 Premier League games that Brighton have played, Minteh has played in 26, starting in 19. His other goal came in September against Spurs, while he hasn't provided an assist since November.
Flurry of service off the bench
Minteh recorded eight crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Analysis: Minteh was brought on to add some flair to the Brighton attack and unfortunately, most of his crosses couldn't find a teammate. He should have more luck against Sunderland as the side has started to fade a bit of late, though his poor display against Arsenal might translate to less playing time.
Can't play full game
Minteh is not fit to play a full game, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Derren Howard from the Sussex Express. "Yeah, that's for example one player we need to manage. We don't know if he's able to start or not start. He came back after a small issue so it's definitely someone we need to manage at the moment and therefore that's a good example what I meant, with the individual players who are not on the highest level and that's what we have to work on and we have to get them back on track."
Analysis: Minteh still has to build his fitness following his return from his thigh injury and isn't yet fit to play the full 90 minutes. The forward will likely see some playing time off bench to allow him to gradually build on his fitness before claiming back his undisputed starter role for the Seagulls.
Available against Bournemouth
Minteh (thigh) is back available for Monday's clash against Bournemouth, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Chris Nightingale from Sky Sports.
Analysis: Minteh has recovered from the dead leg he suffered against West Ham United and is back available for Monday's clash against the Cherries. This is good news for the Seagulls, since he has been a regular starter for the team and is expected to reclaim his role in the upcoming fixtures. If Minteh is not fit enough to start the game on Monday, Diego Gomez and Brajan Gruda are the two likely options to start in his spot.
Remains doubtful
Minteh (thigh) remains a doubt moving forward, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in a press conference, according to Andrew James from We Are Brighton.
Analysis: Minteh is still dealing with a thigh injury that made him miss the last two games and remains a doubt moving forward. His next chance to play in the Premier League will come against Bournemouth on Jan. 19 if he can't make the squad for the Carabao Cup game against Manchester United on Sunday. Until he returns fully fit, Brajan Gruda is expected to see a greater role for the Seagulls.
Missing again
Minteh (thigh) is out for Wednesday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Minteh is not an option and is still battling his thigh injury, missing a second match of action due to this injury. He will now eye a return this weekend in FA Cup action, although they may be cautious and wait until the Jan. 19 match against Bournemouth.
Still doubtful against City
Minteh (thigh) missed Saturday's win against Burnley following his dead leg and still remains a doubt for Wednesday's clash against Manchester City, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Andrew James from We Are Brighton.
Analysis: Minteh missed Sunday's clash against Burnley following the dead leg he suffered against West Ham United and isn't yet fully fit according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, making him a doubt for Wednesday's clash against Manchester City. The forward is an undisputed starter on the right flank when fit for the Seagulls, therefore if he had to miss another game, his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Brajan Gruda likely playing on the right side of the attack again.
Only dealt dead leg
Minteh (thigh) was only dealt a dead leg and is an option for Saturday's match against Burnley, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. "Yes, the scan is fine. It was just a dead leg. Let's see how training goes today, then we'll see if he can start or not."
Analysis: Minteh has luckily avoided an injury after he was taken off the field early Tuesday and will be an option Saturday, only dealing with a dead leg. However, there are still some questions on if he can start or not, with the forward potentially left on the bench for caution. If this were the case, a change would be made, with Kaoru Mitoma or Brajan Gruda as potential options.
Subs off injured against West Ham
Minteh suffered a potential thigh injury that prevented him from completing Tuesday's game versus West Ham, Andy Naylor of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Minteh went down with the injury after attempting one shot and winning a penalty kick over 58 minutes on the pitch Tuesday. He's now at risk of missing upcoming fixtures, but the severity of his situation remains unknown. The attacker has been a reliable source of shots and crosses while recording one goal and four assists in the current campaign. However, Brajan Gruda could take his place on the right wing in the event of a serious issue.
Three shots during loss
Minteh generated three shots (zero on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Minteh took three shots and created a chance during Saturday's loss, but nothing would beat Alisson. The striker has been threatening in a larger role for Brighton, and is set to be relied on heavily with injuries elsewhere in the attack. Minteh hasn't gotten on the scoresheet in the last four matches, and remains on five goal contributions for the season.
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