Brighton & Hove Albion secured a significant victory on Thursday, defeating Ajax 2-0 and moving closer to the Europa League knockout rounds. However, the triumph may have come at a price, as two more defenders are now set to miss game time due to injuries.
Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati played a crucial role in Brighton’s success, scoring early in Amsterdam and later assisting Simon Adingra in the second half, sealing their second consecutive 2-0 win over Ajax.
In a post-match interview, Brighton’s manager Roberto de Zerbi expressed the importance of the first goal and the team’s style, stating, “The first goal was important, and as well our style, because we regained the ball in high pressure and scored after two passes. The second one was incredible because we kept the ball inside the pitch where I love it, and then we found the player between the line.”
Despite their success in Group B, where they currently hold the second spot with seven points after four matches, just one point behind leaders Marseille, Brighton faces concerns about the fitness of key players. Captain Lewis Dunk and Pervis Estupinan both left the field due to injuries during the Ajax clash, casting doubt on their availability for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Dunk, who was replaced due to a groin injury, and substitute Estupinan, who lasted only 12 minutes after returning from a five-week absence with a muscle injury, join the growing list of Brighton players dealing with fitness issues. Midfielder James Milner also left the field with a knock, adding to the injury worries for the team. Notably, key players such as Danny Welbeck, Solly March, and Tariq Lamptey continue to be absent due to injuries.
“I’m very worried… we have a lot of injuries, especially in the full-back position. We have to find another solution because Sunday is another important, very crucial game for us, and we want to win,” expressed the concerned Italian manager.
Brighton, currently in the seventh position, is grappling with a five-game winless streak in the league, adding to the urgency of finding solutions to their injury woes ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
