Brighton are without a number of key first team players when hosting reigning Premier League champions Arsenal to the Amex on Saturday afternoon.
The Seagulls have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, and they're yet to really call upon a number of their summer arrivals -- barring Luka Vuskovic, who has started every game thus far.
They sit fifth in the Premier League standings after defeating newly promoted Coventry City on Sunday afternoon, and they advanced to the fifth round of the EFL Cup when coming from two goals behind to beat Manchester United in midweek.
Brighton face their biggest task yet when welcoming Mikel Arteta's side to the south coast this weekend, and they'll be without numerous starters due to injury.
We take a look at the return dates for Jack Hinshelwood, Yankuba Minteh and more.
Brighton Injury Timelines
When is Yankuba Minteh expected to return?
Fabian Hurzeler is yet to provide a return date for Yankuba Minteh, who hasn't featured in the 2026/27 season due to a leg injury sustained in Brighton's pre-season friendly against Roma on 8th August.
It's unlikely that the Gambian will feature in October, with reports suggesting that the winger could be back in the first team fold in November. Should the Seagulls view the start of the month as a realistic time for Minteh's return, he may push to be available for their away trip to Getafe on 5th November.
When is Kaoru Mitoma expected to return?
Kaoru Mitoma is expected to be available for Brighton following the conclusion of the international break after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained against Wolves in May.
The 29-year-old winger required surgery on the injury and was unavailable for Japan's 2026 World Cup campaign.
Should he be passed fit following the three-week international hiatus, he's likely to be involved when the Seagulls make the trip to Sunderland on Saturday 10th October.
When is Jack Hinshelwood expected to return?
Brighton will hope to have Jack Hinshelwood back in the frame in their first game back from the international break on 10th October, having missed the last five games for the club due to an ankle injury sustained in training.
The midfielder scored a brace in his only appearance of the season against Aston Villa, but there's no guarantee that he returns to the starting XI after Malick Yalcouye's impressive spell in the side.
When is Mats Wieffer expected to return?
Mats Wieffer suffered a freak knee injury when landing awkwardly after being hit in the face by the ball against Chelsea, and he's missed both of Brighton's last two top-flight contests since.
The Dutchman -- who has made the seamless transition from centre midfield to right-back under Hurzeler -- should also be in line to return against Sunderland after the international break, which could see Ferdi Kadioglu drop out of the team.
When is Femi Azeez expected to return?
Femi Azeez has had to wait to make his debut for Brighton after arriving from Millwall with a hamstring strain.
He -- like Mitoma, Hinshelwood and Wieffer -- is set to be available after the international break, where he will be in competition with Diego Gomez for a place at right-wing.
When is Stefanos Tzimas expected to return?
Stefanos Tzimas has suffered a small setback in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained in December 2025, but Hurzeler hasn't clarified when he will return.
The Greek centre forward will hope to be available before the end of the year, but it's not yet known if this is achievable.
