Brighton and Hove Albion have suffered a blow with the loss of Solly March to injury as the winger faces a “long period” out of the side.
March suffered a knee injury in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday (21 October).
He looks likely to be out for months, even if boss Roberto De Zerbi did not want to give exact details of the problem.
March, who has been in excellent form for the Seagulls this season, joins Danny Welbeck in the treatment room after the striker also picked up an injury at the Etihad Stadium.
At a press conference before the Europa League clash with Ajax tomorrow (Thursday 26 October), Albion’s Italian coach said: “Solly March’s injured. Danny Welbeck as well. We have enough to play and win the game.
“Solly, unfortunately, has a very, very tough injury, a very important injury. We lose him for a long period – and for Welbeck the same.
“Solly I’ve not seen after the Manchester City game but we love him and we will be very close with him to support him every day. We have to accept that football is like this and injury can happen.
“I know (what the injury is) but it is not my job to inform you about the injury.
“I know we lose an important player for a long time but I don’t want to cry because sometimes the coaches cry when they lose players.
“We have to move on and we have to work hard to find a solution. Facundo Buonanotte will find more space. (Simon) Adingra will become more important for this team.
“Evan Ferguson will be important, the same as last season, and we are waiting for Julio Enciso. I don’t know how much time he needs to be back in the group.
“We have to work harder and don’t speak too much about the injury because we have to accept.”
Brighton have taken just one point from their opening two Europa League games in Group B and face a double-header with the out-of-form Dutch side.
Asked if the game at the Amex was a must-win, De Zerbi replied: “Every game we have to try to win. Don’t play only for the result. We have to play showing our quality.”
