Brighton’s Stefanos Tzimas out for season after ACL rupture on full Premier League debut | OneFootball

According to NY Times, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Stefanos Tzimas has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL.

The 19-year-old was injured in the first half of his first Premier League start, a 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa on 3 December. He twisted his knee while closing down Pau Torres and went off after 24 minutes.

On Friday, before the 1-1 draw with West Ham, head coach Fabian Hurzeler called it a long-term injury and said months out. Tests have since confirmed the damage, and surgery sidelines Tzimas until pre-season in 2026.

The blow came three days after he scored his first league goal as a substitute to seal a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest. He has three goals in 12 appearances since a £20 million move from Nurnberg.

His absence does not necessarily increase the chances of Evan Ferguson returning in January from a season-long loan with Roma, as Brighton view him as a different type of striker. The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland forward has one goal in 14 appearances, including six starts.

Roma visit Celtic on Thursday in the Europa League. Before the match in Glasgow, Gian Piero Gasperini said selection is based on performance, noted Ferguson has had chances and, being young, could improve. He praised Mario Hermoso’s influence and hoped Ferguson can show similar qualities soon.

Source: NY Times