Wataru Endo to start vs. Brighton as Arne Slot hints at goalkeeper change

Endo in line for first start since October

Wataru Endo is set to make his first start for Feyenoord since October when they host Brighton in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday.

The Japan midfielder has been out with a hamstring injury but has returned to training and is now in contention to start against the Premier League side.

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot has also hinted that he could make a change in goal, with Justin Bijlow potentially returning to the starting line-up after missing the last two games with a minor injury.

Bijlow could return in goal

Bijlow has been Feyenoord's first-choice goalkeeper this season but missed the last two games with a minor injury.

However, he is now back in training and could be in line to start against Brighton.

Slot said: "Justin has been training well and he is available for selection. We will make a decision on the team tomorrow."

Feyenoord looking to build on first-leg lead

Feyenoord will be looking to build on their 2-1 first-leg lead when they host Brighton in the second leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday.

The Dutch side won the first leg in England thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and Luis Sinisterra.

Brighton will be looking to overturn the deficit and reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time.