Bernardo set to return to Brighton’s team ahead of Liverpool Clash

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Bernardo Fernandes, who has been sidelined for a while, is reported to be close to returning to the first team.

The 24-year-old left-back was said to have been involved in the Albion’s U23 match against West Ham for only 45 minutes.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh was also involved in the match in the first three quarters of the Premier League International Cup match against the Hammers as he helped his team set up their only goal in the 3-1 defeat.

Bernando, who succumbed to an injury while playing for the Seagulls in their 4-0 defeat against Manchester City back in August, seems to have fully recovered from his knee injury.

Jahanbakhsh, who has been injury-stricken this season, was able to make the squad list alongside Leon Balogun in the Seagulls last game in the Premier League against hot-blooded Leicester City.

Speaking about the players, U-23 head coach Simon Rusk said via Argus: “They were just planned minutes.

“The first team staff wanted to use the game for some minutes for them. It is always great to have the senior boys in and around the group.

“I thought in the first half there was some really positive stuff from the youngsters and the senior ones.

“Unfortunately in the end the result has gone against us but we can have no complaints.”

Midfielder Steven Alzate could set for a return to the club’s team ahead of their Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday. Check out Brighton Newsnow for more news on the Seagulls.