Brighton’s new £25m signing Matt O’Riley faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following his ankle injury sustained on debut against Crawley Town last Tuesday.
O’Riley, signed by the Seagulls from Scottish champions Celtic last week, was forced off after just six minutes following a challenge from Crawley’s Jay Williams, which infuriated the Brighton bench and left the midfielder in pain.
O’Riley had a scan on Wednesday and it confirmed ligament damage and that the Denmark international will require surgery.
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Arsenal, said: “It’s a bad injury. He needs surgery on his ankle. I can’t say how long we expect him to be out. It’s a tough one for us. We are trying to support him as best as we can. Let’s hope he will be back soon.”
The injury could also have implications for Albion midfielder Billy Gilmour. The Scotland international was closing in on a £15m move to Napoli but that could now be placed on hold due to the blow to O’Riley.
Brighton do however hope to have full backs Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey fit to face Arsenal. The duo are yet to feature in the Premier League this season but both had minutes in the midweek Carabao Cup win against Crawley.
Evan Ferguson could also be available for selection as he works his way back from a foot injury, while Mats Wieffer, who missed the 2-1 win against Manchester United last Saturday with a ‘small knock,’ could return.
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