Brighton boss discusses potential Tariq Lamptey return v West Brom
Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey could return to action on Saturday when the Sussex side take on West Brom in a crucial relegation battle at The Hawthorns.
The 20-year-old has been missing since December 16 after suffering a hamstring injury but he recently returned to training and is in line to feature against Albion.
Lamptey was a revelation in the early stages of the season as his searing pace and fleet-footed ability wowed onlookers as he surged down the Brighton right-hand side at will, earning admiring glances from elite clubs all over Europe including German giants Bayern Munich.
His absence has actually coincided with an improved run of form by the Seagulls as they lost just two of the first 12 games that he missed, winning five in the process, but they have reverted to type and are winless in their last four.
As such the early team news delivered by boss Graham Potter should act as a huge boost to their hopes of taking all three points in the West Midlands.
As reported on Sussex Live, Potter updated the media on Lamptey’s availability, saying: “Yes, he did [train at the weekend]. He started the very first stages of joining the group so it depends on how this week goes.
“He has got a chance to maybe be involved at the weekend so we will see.”
But he added: “I think it would be sensible to ease him in. He won’t be ready to go straight into 90 minutes football after the time he has had off. So we have to be careful with that.”
Tough test for Townsend
Conor Townsend and co will certainly have their work cut out dealing with Lamptey if he does indeed get the nod to start on Saturday.
According to Wyscout only seven players in the Premier League have made more progressive runs per 90 than Lamptey this season [3.89] while he also makes 5.12 dribbles per 90 at a solid 51.9% completion rate.
His bursting forays forward are a big part of the way Brighton play as he adds natural width to a team lacking in wingers and Townsend must be on top of his game to thwart him.
It will be interesting to see who is tasked with doubling up on him down the left-hand side if he is selected.
Matt Phillips started in front of Townsend against Burnley but he was withdrawn in the first-half following Semi Ajayi’s dismissal and Ainsley Maitland-Niles shifted across to good effect.
Whoever it is must beware of a man itching to return to the fold after a long absence and show why he is so highly-rated.
In other West Brom news, Joseph Masi estimates price tag it would take to prise Matheus Pereira from The Hawthorns.
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