Evan Ferguson facing lengthy spell on Brighton sidelines due to ankle injury

Republic of Ireland striker unlikely to leave in January transfer window while nursing injury

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is set to remain sidelined for “some more weeks” as he continues to struggle with an ankle issue. Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is set to remain sidelined for “some more weeks” as he continues to struggle with an ankle issue. Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is set to remain sidelined for “some more weeks” as he continues to struggle with an ankle issue.

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international has missed Albion’s last three Premier League matches amid reports he could leave the club on loan during the current transfer window. The current injury seems likely to decrease his chances of a January move.

Following a bright start to his career, Ferguson has endured a frustrating period at the Amex Stadium. He sat out the final nine games of last season due to injury and has been restricted to just two top-flight starts this term.

Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Norwich, Seagulls head coach Fabian Hurzeler told a press conference: “Evan is doing OK, not perfectly, but he is doing OK. I think it will take some more weeks until he returns.

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“I hope it goes faster but I cannot say clearly when he will be back, so we have to be patient.”

Hurzeler has depleted attacking options for the visit to Carrow Road after Joao Pedro sustained an ankle problem in training to join Ferguson in the treatment room.

Top scorer Danny Welbeck has missed the last five matches with a similar issue and is being assessed.

“We need to talk to him – I want to hear his perspective and view of how he feels,” Hurzeler said of Welbeck. “Then we have to make the right decision [about whether he plays on Saturday]. We are playing a lot of games in the next weeks and he is one of our leaders and we need him in the squad.

“He’s very supportive and we need him around the squad, around the young lads. But we really have to take care of his health and manage his comeback.”

With Ferguson and Pedro definitely out and Welbeck a doubt, Hurzeler has backed record signing Georginio Rutter to return to his best following a dip in form during which he lost his starting role.

“You have to be better than average and you have to work really hard to come through this period and he does it,” Hurzeler said of Rutter, who has come on as a substitute in Brighton’s last three games.

“He tries to improve, he tries to listen, he tries to be mentally and physically ready for the games.

“He had a great start, then he had a little bit of a period where he suffered. But I think he will be back soon, or maybe on Saturday, with his best shape, physically and mentally, to help us.”

Brighton are seeking a return to winning ways following eight league matches without success.

Hurzeler is confident results will pick up as he bids to avoid an upset against Sky Bet Championship opposition and launch a cup run.

“It’s always important to get positive results, regardless of the competition,” said the German coach.

“Winning builds confidence, belief and trust, and it creates a better atmosphere.

“However, I try to focus on the process and performance.

“If we stick to our philosophy and work hard, the results will follow. Chasing results without a clear structure or identity can cause long-term problems.”