Brighton & Hove Albion secured a significant victory in the Europa League, defeating Ajax 2-0 and moving closer to the knockout rounds. However, this triumph may have come at a cost, as two more defenders are expected to be sidelined due to injuries.
Ansu Fati, on loan from Barcelona, opened the scoring in Amsterdam, and later provided an assist for Simon Adingra, sealing Brighton’s second consecutive 2-0 win over Ajax.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of the first goal and their style of play. He praised their ability to regain possession through high pressure and score quickly. De Zerbi also commended the second goal, emphasizing their ability to keep the ball in play and find players in dangerous positions.
Brighton, making their European debut, currently sit in second place in Group B with seven points from four matches, just one point behind leaders Marseille.
Despite the victory, De Zerbi expressed concern about the injuries sustained by captain Lewis Dunk and Pervis Estupinan. Both players were forced off the field and their availability for Sunday’s Premier League match against Sheffield United is uncertain. Dunk suffered a groin injury, while Estupinan, who had just returned from a five-week absence, lasted only 12 minutes before succumbing to a muscle injury.
In addition to Dunk and Estupinan, midfielder James Milner also picked up a knock during the game. Furthermore, key players Danny Welbeck, Solly March, and Tariq Lamptey are still sidelined with injuries.
De Zerbi voiced his worry about the team’s injury situation, particularly in the full-back position. He acknowledged the need to find alternative solutions ahead of the crucial upcoming match on Sunday, emphasizing the team’s desire to secure a victory.
Brighton, currently in seventh place in the Premier League, have gone five league games without a win.
Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford
