Roberto De Zerbi confirms Ansu Fati is available to make his Brighton & Hove Albion debut against Manchester United on Saturday, while Evan Ferguson is doubtful.
Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Ansu Fati is available to make his debut in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old attacker completed a surprise loan move to the Seagulls from La Liga champions Barcelona on the final day of the summer transfer window and will remain with De Zerbi’s side for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign.
Fati has had time to settle into his new surroundings on the South Coast after he was not called up to represent Spain during the international break, and he has trained with his new Brighton teammates ahead of this weekend’s match at Man United.
Fellow new recruit Carlos Baleba, who has joined from Lille on a permanent deal, has also taken part in training, although The Athletic‘s Andy Naylor claims that the 19-year-old midfielder may not be involved against the Red Devils as De Zerbi feels that “it is more difficult for a midfielder (or central defender) to adapt quickly.”
Speaking at a press conference about Fati on Friday, De Zerbi said: “I don’t know if at the beginning of the game or during the game in the second half, but [Fati] is ready to play.
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“I want him to enjoy the game and I want to enjoy watching him. He has only had four or five sessions with us so I want to give him as much time as possible. He is a big, big talent. The same applies to Carlos Baleba, he is a great talent.”
Discussing Fati’s best position, De Zerbi added: “He can play number nine, 10 or 11 as well. He’s a big talent, but I’ve only been working with him for a week. If you ask me again in one month, I can be more precise.”
Fati predominantly played as a left winger for Barcelona last season, scoring 10 goals in 51 games across all tournaments, and he came on for the final 15 minutes against Man United at Old Trafford in a 2-1 Europa League defeat in February.
Meanwhile, De Zerbi has also provided an update on the fitness of teenage sensation Evan Ferguson who picked up a knee injury after scoring a hat-trick in Brighton’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United before the international break, and subsequently withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad.
The Italian boss has confirmed that the 18-year-old is doubtful for the trip to Old Trafford, saying: “Evan started (training) yesterday with us. He is not in the best condition. We will see this afternoon and tomorrow morning”.
The potential absence of Ferguson could see former Man United striker Danny Welbeck lead the line, as the 32-year-old is expected to return to the matchday squad after missing the win over Newcastle with a ‘minor issue’.
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Pervis Estupinan and Facundo Buonanotte have both returned from South America representing Ecuador and Argentina respectively during the international break – De Zerbi has admitted that the duo “are tired after a long travel but are fine” for Saturday’s match.
However, Brighton are still having to cope without midfielder Jakub Moder, who has been sidelined with a troublesome ACL injury for the last 18 months.
The 24-year-old was unable to take part in pre-season and although his recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated, De Zerbi is keen to see the Pole return as soon as possible to provide midfield competition as the club prepares to juggle domestic and European football.
“I am waiting for him [Moder] because we need one midfielder more (to cope with European football) and we hope he can come back earlier,” said De Zerbi.
Brighton have won three of their opening four Premier League matches this season and will be looking to extend their unbeaten record against Man United to four matches when they travel to Old Trafford this weekend.
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