(Reuters) – The Europa League match on Thursday saw Brighton & Hove Albion secure a 2-0 win against Ajax, putting them in a good position to advance to the knockout rounds. However, this victory may have come with a cost as two more defenders are likely to miss game time due to injuries.
Ansu Fati, who is on loan from Barcelona, scored early in the match in Amsterdam, and later assisted Simon Adingra in the second half to seal Brighton’s second consecutive 2-0 win over Ajax.
“The first goal (was) important and as well our style, because we regained the ball in high pressure and we scored after two passes,” manager Roberto de Zerbi said in a post-match interview.
“The second one was incredible because we kept the ball inside of the pitch where I love it and then we found the player between the line.”
Brighton, in their European debut, are currently second in Group B with seven points after four matches, trailing leaders Marseille by one point.
While De Zerbi was pleased with the victory, he expressed concern about the injuries to captain Lewis Dunk and Pervis Estupinan, who both had to leave the game due to injuries. This poses a challenge ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against bottom side Sheffield United on Sunday.
Dunk had to be substituted due to a groin injury, while Estupinan, who returned from a five-week absence with a muscle injury, could only last 12 minutes as a substitute before being forced off again.
Furthermore, midfielder James Milner also left the field with a knock, while key players Danny Welbeck, Solly March, and Tariq Lamptey continue to be absent due to injuries.
“I’m very worried … we have a lot of injuries. Especially in the full back position,” the Italian said.
“We have to find another solution because … Sunday another important, very crucial game for us and we want to win.”
Brighton, currently seventh in the Premier League, have gone five league games without a win.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
