Erik ten Hag won't be able to watch Brighton's Evan Ferguson in person after the forward was ruled out of next weekend's FA Cup clash against Manchester United.
The Irishman has enjoyed a breakout season, scoring eight times, which has captured the attention of several Premier League sides, including the Red Devils. Ferguson was poised to be facing Ten Hag's side at Wembley with a final place at stake, but will now miss out through injury.
Brighton's teenage star was forced off in the win against Chelsea with an ankle issue, leaving him crocked for the last four clash. United reportedly have an interest in Ferguson but won't get to see how he would've gone against their own defensive line.
Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi, who has excelled since replacing Graham Potter, bemoaned his latest injury setback. He said: “We are losing too many players. We are playing without (Adam) Lallana, (Jeremy) Sarmiento, (Tariq) Lamptey, now today Veltman and Ferguson. It’s difficult. Ferguson and Veltman can’t play for a minimum couple of weeks.”
The Irishman's stock has continued to rise this term, with even Kylian Mbappe admitting Les Blues considered him a threat during a recent international contest. "We watched some of his plays, he's a very good striker. We'll be very wary of him and, hopefully, we won't see him much," said the PSG star.
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One of United's main aims this summer is to add a striker with Ten Hag looking to add more firepower. Ferguson is on a shortlist that also includes the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, although the Brighton star would be a far cheaper option.
The Irishman has been a standout performer this term (Michael Steele/Getty Images)Despite the interest, Seagulls owner Tony Bloom is adamant that the south coast is currently the best place for the teenager: "I can’t guarantee what will happen in the future but for the short term I have no doubt, the best place for Evan to be is at Brighton & Hove Albion. I believe he’ll be here for at least a few seasons to come. That’ll be good for his career. Long term, the world is his oyster."
De Zerbi has recently said on his young forward: "He is unique for us in terms of quality, in terms of characteristic. He knows very well the way to score. I think he can and he has to improve, in the quality of play, in ball possession, to keep the ball better. But he is 18 and he will improve for sure, because I know the guy, I know his passion, his attitude. I have no doubt."
Brighton, with or without Ferguson, would've gone into the semi-final against United as underdogs despite their impressive campaign. In the opening game of the season, when Potter was in charge, the Seagulls beat Ten Hag's side 2-1 at Old Trafford.
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