The all-important injury news is starting to reach us as the pre-match press conferences for Gameweek 2 get underway.

Eight Premier League bosses fulfil their media duties on Thursday, including Fabian Hurzeler and Erik ten Hag.

And we’ll be bringing you the latest key quotes and injury updates in the ‘live’ article below. Quotes will be gradually added as and when they become available.

The other dozen top-flight managers look set to hold press conferences on Friday. For the latest on their clubs, there’s our early team news summary from midweek.

GAMEWEEK 2 TEAM NEWS: THURSDAY INJURY UPDATES

THURSDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE TIMES

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Yankuba Minteh (head) is available for Saturday’s match.

The winger was substituted in last weekend’s win over Everton because of concussion protocols but has been cleared to return.

“So of course there are clear rules that we have to go through. I think it’s also important for the health of the player that we follow these rules form the Premier League. But he will be available.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Yankuba Minteh

Tariq Lamptey (unknown), Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Pervis Estupinan (ankle) have all been back in training recently. Lamptey has been sidelined for about a month, the other two for much longer.

Hurzeler isn’t sure whether they’ll feature against Manchester United, however.

“They were all in training.

“We have to wait now today and tomorrow, how their rehab and the training continues, how they adapt to the intensity. And then we will see if they will be an option for the squad.

“But I’m very happy that these three players are back.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Messrs Lamptey, Ferguson + Estupinan

Georginio Rutter has been added to the squad this week and could come into contention for his debut.

“Also for him, we have to wait, how he adapts. But he had some games already in the pre-season for Leeds.

“He’s a little bit German, he’s a little bit from the UK and a little bit French, so there’s a mix of everything inside his character. He’s laughing a lot and I think he will be integrated fast in the group and that’s the most important [thing].

“On the other side, of course, I’m convinced that he will help us on the pitch by his attitude working against the ball, by his quality in possession. He has something special. I have known him since he played for Hoffenheim, and I followed his way. He will be a big, big player for Brighton.

“I think one of his strengths is that he can play on the outside but also in the centre. He can help us because there’s a very good feeling for positioning, a very good feeling for finding the gaps in between the lines from the opponent, a very good first touch, a very good continue of the game forward. He’s not really focusing on playing backwards, he’s always trying to play vertical, and I especially also like his reaction and his behaviour out of position and after losing the ball.

“So I think he has a very interesting package that will help us.” – Fabian Hurzeler on Georginio Rutter

There was nothing on Bart Verbruggen (unspecified) or Julio Enciso (knee), meanwhile. Verbruggen suffered an issue in July but has been named in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming internationals. Enciso sustained a knee injury while playing for Paraguay at the Olympics at the beginning of August but was expected to return to training this week.

Solly March (knee) remains out.

As for Valentin Barco, his manager was asked specifically about the prospect of a loan move away for the £4.0m FPL defender. Nodding when the question was posed, Hurzeler gave the following answer:

“So the most important for me is that the players who I work with here know how we plan with them. We communicate very transparent with them and very open because, in the end, I will never play with hope for the players. I want the players happy, I want the players to develop, and we have to create an environment where they can develop. If a player doesn’t have the feeling that he can do it here, of course, then he has to look for another way.

“I can’t comment on any [moves] because I don’t know it. The only thing I can say is the players know how we plan with them – and then it’s up to them.” – Fabian Hurzeler

Fantasy Football Scout’s exclusive Premium Membership offer is still available – but get it while you can, as it will soon expire!

Our special pre-season package is a 40% discount to our full-price Premium Membership, so for only £3.25 per month (billed annually), you get access to our unique Premium Members Area and the official Premier League data in it.

Plus, there will be all the usual benefits like team reveals, strategy tips and more.

This offer will soon cease, so sign up while you can!