Brighton’s Evan Ferguson ‘seen leaving stadium’ as Seagulls suffer UEL nightmare
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of their Europa League clash against AEK Athens on Thursday after being spotted leaving the stadium shortly before kick-off. The teenage sensation would have been hoping to play some part as Roberto De Zerbi’s side prepared for the opening game of their European adventure, but the in-form striker has been forced to miss the game at the Amex Stadium.
The 18-year-old would have been dreaming of a start to lead the line against the Greek side, with Brighton preparing for their first-ever game in continental competition. But Ferguson was left out of the 20-man squad by De Zerbi, despite earlier being seen at the ground.
Shortly after, the towering striker was reportedly nowhere to be seen as it dawned on the Seagulls that he would not be taking any part in Thursday’s curtain raiser. Captain Lewis Dunk was also absent from the squad.
According to TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach, Ferguson was ‘seen leaving the stadium’, amid unconfirmed reports that he had been unwell prior to the game. Brazilian striker Joao Pedro was handed a start in his place up front.
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Ferguson has been a revelation since breaking into the side under De Zerbi last season, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances. He has continued that rich vein of form in 2023-24, bagging four goals in his first five games – and for that reason, Brighton fans will be hoping his absence is only a short one.
On their back of their 3-1 success against Manchester United, the South Coast outfit made more changes to their starting XI with Igor Julio – a summer signing from Fiorentina – handed a first start. On-loan winger Ansu Fati would also make his full debut following his season-long switch from Barcelona.
De Zerbi’s men have enjoyed a fine start to the campaign after finishing sixth last season, winning four of their five games so far and scoring 15 goals.
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In taking on Greek Super League champions AEK Athens at the Amex Stadium, the Italian tactician said it was important they stuck to their ideals and did not lose their ‘DNA’.
“We cannot forget where we started and who we were. We can’t lose our DNA. If we think that we are better then we are, then we make a big mistake,” De Zerbi told reporters on Wednesday.
“If we want to become bigger than this competition, then we still have to compete at this level first. We have studied AEK a lot. They are a good team, very aggressive with and without the ball. It will be a very tough game.”
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