Mats Wieffer
BHANetherlands
Right
Nov 16, 1999
26
6'2"
172 lb
RB
--
Possession Builder
BrightonOut to face Wolves
Wieffer (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Wieffer has been unable to pass his fitness assessment after coach Fabian Hurzeler had already described his involvement as unlikely following the ankle injury that forced him off in the 18th minute of last weekend's clash against Newcastle. The Dutch right-back is an undisputed starter for Brighton, and his absence leaves a notable gap at right-back, with Ferdi Kadioglu starting on the right flank to cover in his place. Hurzeler made clear he was unwilling to rush him back before he is genuinely ready, with Wieffer's availability for the coming fixtures to be monitored closely.
Tight call for Saturday
Wieffer (ankle) is tight for Saturday's clash against Wolves and will be assessed, though his involvement looks unlikely, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Wieffer had been forced off in the 18th minute of last weekend's clash against Newcastle with an ankle injury, making his fitness a major concern heading into the weekend. The Dutch right-back is an undisputed starter for Brighton and Joel Veltman is expected to cover if he cannot be cleared, with manager Hurzeler unwilling to rush him back before he is genuinely ready.
Subbed off injured
Wieffer was forced off in the first half of Saturday's clash against Newcastle United due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Wieffer was forced off in the 18th minute of Saturday's clash against Newcastle United due to an apparent injury and will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue. His potential absence would be a significant blow for his team, as he is an undisputed starter in the back line, with Joel Veltman expected to start in his place if he is ruled out.
Available despite ankle issue
Wieffer trained all week despite an ongoing minor ankle issue and is available for Saturday's clash against Newcastle, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Wieffer has been an undisputed starter at right-back for Brighton since late February and the club has no intention of holding him out despite the ankle complaint, which has clearly not been serious enough to disrupt his training schedule. Joel Veltman remains on standby if any last-minute concerns emerge, but all signs point toward Wieffer taking his usual spot in the lineup against the Magpies.
Nets a brace
Wieffer scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Wieffer put in both of his team's goals in Saturday's win on just two shots. He should continue having success in front of goal against Tottenham, a side flirting with relegation which has let in 50 goals so far this season.
Two shots in win
Wieffer registered two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Liverpool. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.
Analysis: Wieffer took a pair of shots during Saturday's win. The right-back wasn't overly-involved in the attack, but he got forward in some limited chances. Wieffer hasn't been excellent going forward in recent weeks, but he's started five matches in a row now that he's back fit. Wieffer produced three assists in 13 starts prior to his injury.
Available for Liverpool game
Wieffer (toe) has completed his recovery from injury ahead of the FA Cup clash with Liverpool, with coach Fabian Hurzeler confirming that "Wieffer will be back, so that's a positive one. Mats is a big player who has a big impact on our game. He has a big personality as well. So we definitely missed him and we are all happy that he's back now.", according to the club.
Analysis: Wieffer has missed the last nine contests across all competitions after making his last appearance on Dec. 27, but he's likely to regain a starting spot at some point. Whenever that happens, Ferdi Kadioglu may return to a left-back role, pushing Maxim De Cuyper as well as Joel Veltman to the bench. Prior to the issue, Wieffer delivered three assists in 16 games.
Close to return, not facing Villa
Wieffer (toe) "is close but won't be in the squad" for the midweek visit to Aston Villa, manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed in press conference.
Analysis: Wieffer is heading into the final stretch of his recovery from a toe issue which has prevented him from playing since Dec. 27. He was a consistent starter before suffering the injury, but it remains to be seen when he'll be ready to regain a spot in the lineup. Meanwhile, Ferdi Kadioglu could be expected to feature at right-back, with Maxim De Cuyper filling in on the opposite flank.
Remains out
Wieffer (toe) is out for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Wieffer was a late call for Sunday but won't make the team sheet, with his tow injury still too much to play. With their next match coming quickly against Aston Villa on Wednesday, he likely won't return then, possibly when facing Liverpool on Saturday.
Getting closer to return
Wieffer (toe) is getting closer to return from injury and could be an option for Sunday's clash against Crystal Palace, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference.
Analysis: Wieffer missed the last seven games across all competitions for the Seagulls due to a toe injury, but he has been making strong progress and is closing in on a return to the match squad. That comeback could come as soon as Sunday's clash against the Eagles, as coach Fabian Hurzeler did not rule him out during his press conference. Wieffer was an undisputed starter at right-back prior to the setback and could regain a similar role with the Albion once fully fit.
Still without timeline
Wieffer (toe) remains out for Monday's clash with Bournemouth, Chris Nightingale of Sky Sports reports.
Analysis: Wieffer may require more time to recover as he has been sidelined since Dec. 27, and there's little information about when he'll be back despite initial hopes that his injury would be a minor one. This blow will continue to leave Brighton without their top right-back option, so Joel Veltman may retain the starting job in upcoming contests.
Remains out with toe injury
Wieffer (toe) is still out for the time being, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Andrew James from We Are Brighton.
Analysis: Wieffer missed the last two games due to a toe injury that he couldn't clear yet since he won't be available for Wednesday's clash against Manchester City. The defender's next chance to feature will come against Manchester United on Sunday and his absence will force a change in the backline since he has been a regular starter for the Seagulls this season, with Joel Veltman to start in his spot on the right side of the defense.
Not an option Saturday
Wieffer is out for Saturday's match against Burnley due to a toe injury, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. "Mats had a small issue with his toe, so he won't be available tomorrow, but I hope it's not a big issue."
Analysis: Wieffer is hitting the sidelines for at least another match, as the defender was dealt a toe injury that is enough to leave him out for Saturday's game. Unfortunately, the club will be left without their starting right-back again, with Joey Veltman as his potential replacement again. The biggest question is whether Wieffer can make a quick turnaround, facing Manchester City in another match on Wednesday.
Available vs. Gunners
Wieffer (head) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Arsenal.
Analysis: Wieffer wasn't cleared to start in this match, but he'll wait for his opportunity on the bench. Diego Coppola will get the start at right-back as his replacement.
Late call Saturday
Wieffer (undisclosed) is assessed on a day-to-day basis and will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Arsenal, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Johnny Cantor.
Analysis: Wieffer was forced off at halftime against Sunderland on Saturday due to an injury scare and is currently being assessed on a day-to-day basis ahead of Saturday's clash against Arsenal. The right back will be a late fitness call after the final training session, and if he can't be deemed fit enough to feature, Joel Veltman will likely start in his spot against the Gunners.
Assists opener against Villa
Wieffer assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 loss versus Aston Villa.
Analysis: Wieffer had a decent outing in Wednesday's defeat against the Villains, breaking up several early transitions and helping his side establish a two-goal lead with a clever assist for the opening goal of Jan Paul van Hecke. He kept his passing simple while being well positioned in defense to contribute to six tackles two interceptions and three clearances. Wieffer has now contributed to a total of three clearances in 12 Premier League appearances one away from his career high from last campaign.
Assists opener Saturday
Wieffer assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-0 win versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Wieffer provided the pass that unlocked Leeds United's defense for Danny Welbeck's opener in the 11th minute of the game. He made five tackles and one clearance to stop transitions and drove several forward moves in the first half. His presence allowed Brighton to press effectively and dominate territory throughout the game. Wieffer has now contributed two assists in eight games this campaign, two away from his career-high total from last season.
Returns to starting XI
Wieffer had two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 43rd minute.
Analysis: Wieffer led the Brighton defensive effort Sunday with five clearances as they largely held the Wolverhampton attack at-bay in a 1-1 draw. The defender's two shot attempts (zero on goal) were his first attempts on goal this season across five appearances (three starts). Wieffer has been shown a yellow card in three of his last four appearances.
Assist as reserve
Wieffer logged an assist on a chance created during Brighton & Hove Albion's 3-1 win Saturday at Chelsea. He also received a yellow card.
Analysis: For the 2025-26 Premier League, Wieffer's latest assist is his first. Perhaps now, he can log better opportunities. Before multiple problems affected his availability, so both during August and before September, Brighton & Hove Albion's starting XI regularly included him.
Available on bench
Wieffer (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Chelsea.
Analysis: Wieffer was deemed available to feature this weekend after sustaining a knock in the League Cup earlier this week. He'll be an option off the bench since Joel Veltman will get the nod at right-back.
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