Man City v Brighton team news: Roberto De Zerbi rules two out but ex-City man set to return

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that James Milner will be available for Brighton & Hove Albion’s trip to face Manchester City this weekend.

The 37-year-old, who made 203 appearances for City during a five-year stint at the club, has been unavailable since the middle of September due to injury, but will be an option for the Seagulls this weekend.

However, De Zerbi revealed Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey are set to miss out, joining Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder on the sidelines.

“James Milner is available to play, to start the game," the Italian explained. "Pascal [Gross] as well. Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey are injured. Jakub Moder has started to work with the group, which is great news for him."

Kaoru Mitoma, who signed a contract extension with Brighton on Friday, looks set to feature too, despite withdrawing from the Japan squad over the international break due to illness.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola revealed in his pre-match press conference that all of his players returned from international duty unscathed, meaning Kevin De Bruyne is the only absentee for the champions.

Rodri is available again for City, who lost all three domestic matches during his suspension, while John Stones managed to play 63 minutes for England in midweek and could be an option to start his first league match of the season for City on Saturday.

Defeat against Arsenal two weeks ago saw the Blues drop to third in the table and they currently sit two points off top spot. As for Brighton, they’re winless in the last four in all competitions and are sixth after eight matches.