Brighton receive injury blow as star utility player could be out long-term

Brighton's English midfielder #07 Solly March is stretchered off the pitch injured during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on October 21, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Brighton's English midfielder #07 Solly March is stretchered off the pitch injured during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on October 21, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Brighton and Hove Albion are now winless in five straight matches and have just one win in their last seven games. The Seagulls may have been in dreamland to begin the season with Europa League nights beckoning, but the club is undoubtedly going through a rough patch. After a narrow 2-1 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday (Oct 21.), Brighton faces a severe injury issue with one of their key players, Solly March.

Near the end of the game, March was looking to make a tackle on Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva near the touchline, but the Brighton player twisted his right knee the wrong way and fell to the ground. He was unable to continue and had to be stretchered off the pitch. Post-match, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi gave an unfortunate update on the Englishmen’s injury (via Brian Owen).

"“This is the worst thing today. I think we can lose Solly March for a long time. This season is different. We are losing too many players.”"

March will be added to the list of Brighton injuries, including the likes of Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso. There is no exact timeline for March’s injuries yet, but one is expected in the coming days.

Solly March has started seven of the eight games he has been available for this season in the Premier League. Being deployed by De Zerbi on both the left and right flanks, March can be accurately described as a do-it-all player. With four goal contributions in just seven games, March will undoubtedly be a big miss for the team as they look to bounce back in the coming weeks.

Brighton’s next match will be a massive one in the club’s history as they take on Dutch giants Ajax at the Amex, who are also struggling. It’s been a brutal string of games for the Seagulls, but they are presented with an opportunity in Europa League action to get back on track.