I weouldn't play him against England either way at this stage. Likely to be some niggle in the game and he should be being eased back in at club and inetrnational level. If he's fit, maybe 20 mins at the end against Greece.
Not in the Brighton squad today, despite being on the bench (against Crawley) midweek. Presume he has to be a big doubt for the Nations League games next week.
I weouldn't play him against England either way at this stage. Likely to be some niggle in the game and he should be being eased back in at club and inetrnational level. If he's fit, maybe 20 mins at the end against Greece.
Not a great sign that he can’t make the squad… Hopefully will change in due course but it seems like first choice and back up line up is:
Minteh (Adingra)
Pedro (O’Reilly)
Mitoma (Rutter)
Wellbeck (Enciso)
If you wouldn't play him against England why play him against Greece. England is somewhat of a free hit while Greece is a must win. Can't afford to carry any passengers and from him getting zero minutes at home against Crawley to not being picked today I'd be calling up someone else and letting him at home to recover.
Prefaced by a 'maybe' but fair point. Time for Parrot (especially) and Idah to shine!
Three days further down the recovery road I guess.
But yeah, not making the squad today indicates an injury concern still and I'd not at all be surprised to see Brighton withdraw him from international duty. (A cynic would even argue they left him out just to show how injured he was...)
A pity after the bit of hope of seeing him back in a squad midweek.
We have Sammie, Parrott, Idah, Obafemi and Robinson in the squad; probably don't need to add anyone there? Think you're looking at Cannon, Connolly and Keane next in line
Edit - actually Obafemi wasn't called up, though he's listed as such on the wiki page
Last edited by pineapple stu; 31/08/2024 at 2:11 PM.
There's an argument to call up and cap-tie Cannon, but that seems not to be high on their priorities.
You can't spell failure without FAI
Enciso is being used as the alternative to Wellbeck ahead of him.
Oh and Enciso hasn't scored a league goal since 22/23.
As a sub against United and Arsenal and also starting in the league cup. I thought overall he was very impressive in that game. He’s a 2004 kid like Evan but he’s very different, he’s quicker and more skillful, probably not as natural a goal scorer but an excellent prospect as well. Generally he’s played deeper in the past, in the position Joao Pedro is playing in, or occasionally out wide, but the new manager has moved him up front. In the medium term, Matt O’Reilly’s injury might help Evan as he seemed the backup to Pedro - so that might force a bit of a rejig.
Enciso got a really bad knee injury last year. Missed 23 league games cause of it, from August to February, which kind of ruined his season last year…
I’m sure once the new manager sees what a fully fit Ferguson does in training our worries will be put to bed. He’s an elite prospect and will be back in the Brighton team soon enough.
Yes, ability wise, Ferguson is the last Irish player I'd be concerned about. Injuries are the only real concern with him.
I want Ferguson to start these 2 games based on how good he is, but the fact that he's not even had a preseason game would terrify me. Sub with at most 20 mins off the bench would probably be the best for him with the season ahead
Its really not that complicated!!!
The Brighton board will make a financial decision. Have a bob each way by selling Ferguson soon for a package reflecting last season’s sharp form drop coupled with a major injury - i.e.modest fee, big add-ons.
Alternatively, hope Ferguson returns, scores a lot and underscores super potential. There’s probably £50 million at stake.
I'd be happy enough for him not to play at all, or to just have a cameo late v Greece. Needs his return to be managed properly after so many niggles and time out. Not sure what the point in calling him up was honestly bar a chance to hang out and work with the team, and if that's what it was, fair enough, may as well take the training time they can to work on stuff.
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