Brighton’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has confirmed that two key players, Joel Veltman and Evan Ferguson, will miss the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United next weekend due to injuries sustained during the first-half of their match against Chelsea.
Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has provided an update on the injury status of two key players ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. The Italian tactician’s joy at masterminding his side’s first-ever win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was tempered by the injuries sustained by Joel Veltman and Evan Ferguson.
Veltman, who has been a dependable presence in the Seagulls’ defence, and teenage Irish striker Ferguson, who has made a significant breakthrough in recent months, both picked up injuries during the first-half of the Chelsea game and will be unavailable for selection in the Wembley showdown against Manchester United.
De Zerbi expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating, “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 Seagulls, who are looking to reach their first FA Cup final since 1983, will now need to focus their attention on overcoming the Red Devils without two of their key players. With the likes of Tariq Lamptey and Adam Lallana already out with injuries, Brighton’s depth will undoubtedly be tested as they aim to upset Erik Tan Haag’s side and secure a spot in the final.