Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has sadly announced that Ansu Fati and Tariq Lamptey are facing lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury.
Fati, who is on loan from Barcelona, is feared to be out of action for two and a half months, but no definitive timeline has been set by Brighton.
Both players sustained injuries during the first half of their Premier League win against Nottingham Forest, intensifying the club’s already extensive list of absentees.
This was only the second league appearance for each player this season, with Fati on loan from Barcelona and Lamptey previously plagued by muscular injuries.
“Igor (Julio) can play. Ansu (Fati) and (Tariq) Lamptey are both injured,” De Zerbi confirmed at a press conference.
“We have lost them for a significant period, I believe. But the focus is on the available players for tomorrow’s match. We will compete.”
“I cannot guarantee a victory, but we will certainly fight to win the game,” added De Zerbi.
Prior to this announcement, it was only confirmed that the two players would miss Thursday’s Europa League fixture, but it now seems likely that both will be out of action for an extended period.
During his career at Barcelona, Fati struggled with various injuries, including a meniscus and hamstring injury, while Lamptey has only made three league starts last season due to injury setbacks.
Additionally, Fati has made nine appearances in the Premier League for Brighton this season, but only two as a starter, facing competition from other forwards.
Fati and Lamptey (pictured) were both injured against Nottingham Forest (Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Lamptey, aged 23, has been struggling with recurring injuries in recent years and has only started 39 Premier League games since joining Brighton in January 2020, making just three starts last season.
The injuries add to an extensive list of absentees for De Zerbi, who is currently missing several defenders and forwards due to injury.
Furthermore, Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud are also suspended for their upcoming Premier League clash against Chelsea.
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(Photo: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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