PREM: Brighton v Leicester preview

Brighton v Leicester preview

Pascal Gross is set to return for Brighton when they host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The midfielder, who won Brighton's 2017/18 Player of the Season award, has not played since the start of September due to an ankle injury.

However, he is in contention as Brighton look to return to winning ways after back-to-back away defeats.

"Pascal is a very fit lad - he's clear of the injury now and he's fit to start," said Brighton manager Chris Hughton.

"He's ready to start against Leicester and that's a decision I have to make."

 

Leicester will be playing their third match since the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was among five people killed in a helicopter crash.

Manager Claude Puel said the two-week international break came at a good time for his team.

"It was a good thing for us, for some players, for their bodies, their minds and for the international players - it was important to have this," he said.

"During two weeks, they can forget a little and have their mind with other thoughts. The international players come back with a smile and are happy to come back."

 

Brighton have Gross and defender Davy Propper available again following ankle problems.

Midfielder Dale Stephens starts a three-match suspension after his red card at Cardiff before the international break while winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh remains sidelined because of a hamstring strain.

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy faces a fight to be fit as he battles a groin injury.

The forward suffered the problem in the 0-0 draw with Burnley before the international break and will be assessed.

James Maddison (knee) has returned to training but Harry Maguire (knee) is out and Rachid Ghezzal (knock) is a doubt. Daniel Amartey remains sidelined for up to four months with a broken ankle.