Brighton’s Stefanos Tzimas set to be out “long term” says Fabian Hurzeler | OneFootball

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler says teenage forward Stefanos Tzimas (19) is facing a “long-term” spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in Wednesday’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa, as reported by Sky Sports.

Tzimas was forced off during the first half at the Amex Stadium, just weeks after scoring his first Premier League goal in the win at Nottingham Forest. Although Brighton are still awaiting full medical assessments, Hurzeler offered a bleak early outlook, admitting the club are preparing for the prospect of being without the young striker for several months.

“I don’t have great news,” Hurzeler said on Friday. “At the moment, it looks like a long-term injury. We will have to assess him further, but I would say months. It’s another tough one for us this season.”

Brighton have endured a steady run of injury setbacks, particularly in attacking positions, but Hurzeler insisted his side will “find solutions” as they look to keep pace in a competitive mid-table battle.

There was at least some encouragement elsewhere. Midfielder Yasin Ayari could return for Sunday’s trip to West Ham, while Kaoru Mitoma is edging closer to a comeback after a foot issue, despite suffering what Hurzeler described as a “small setback” in training.

“Hopefully he can train today,” Hurzeler said. “We will try to make him an option again as soon as possible.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle