Brighton could be without 11 players for their trip to Chelsea this weekend. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi ruled out both Ansu Fati and Tariq Lamptey ‘for a long time’ due to injury after last weekend’s game.
The duo came off injured in the first half of the 3-2 Premier League victory away at Nottingham Forest last weekend. Both Fati and Lamptey were making just their respective second starts of the season on Saturday.
Brighton have a long list of injury and absentees
The Seagulls now have an extensive injury list with the addition of Ansu Fati and Tariq Lamptey. The list features defenders Adam Webster and Pervis Estupinan along with the versatile pair of Solly March and James Milner. Forwards Danny Welback and Julio Ensico are also out injured while Kaoru Mitoma is doubtful. To add salt to the wounds, club captain Lewis Dunk and Mahmoud Dahoud are suspended for the trip to the Stamford Bridge.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League clash away at AEK Athens on Thursday, head coach De Zerbi said: “Igor [Julio] can play. Ansu and Lamptey are both injured. We have lost them for a long time, I think. But the focus is on the players who can play tomorrow. We will have to compete. I don’t know if we will win, but we will fight to win the game.”
Chelsea have some absentees of their own
Chelsea also have their own injuries and absentees. Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia have started training but both may most probably not be able to make it to the squad. Apart from them, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka are also out due to injury.
However, the ones whom the Blues will miss the most will be club captain Reece James and Marc Cucurella. Both are suspended for the game against Brighton.
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