Two sidelined, forwards in race for fitness: Early Brighton team news for Old Trafford trip

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at American Express Community Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

Manchester United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion this Saturday, September 16 to Old Trafford in their return to Premier League action.

The Seagulls completed a double over United last season, so Erik ten Hag will be keen to make amends with a dominant win on home turf.

Brighton’s 2-1 victory on opening day was the Red Devils’ only home loss of the 2022/2023 league campaign, with the M16 outfit unbeaten in their last 20 matches.

Roberto De Zerbi will be without Paraguayan starlet Julio Enciso, as the youngster sustained a knee injury during Brighton’s 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has been ruled out for four months.

Jakub Moder remains unavailable despite an expected return to the fold this season. He has been sidelined for over a year with an ACL problem.

Two forwards could be out

The manager will be sweating on the fitness of prolific frontman Evan Ferguson, who netted his first-ever league hat-trick prior to the international break in a scintillating win over Newcastle United.

He was then forced to miss the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers over the past fortnight due to an injury, so his involvement in the clash remains to be seen. It has been reported that United are interested in the 18-year-old striker and could pursue a move in 2024.

Former Red Danny Welbeck is in a race for fitness after a ‘minor issue’ kept him out of the side’s last outing, though he has trained this week.

Team news courtesy of Sussex Express.

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