Evan Ferguson injury update as Republic of Ireland striker misses Brighton v Sheffield United

Evan Ferguson missed Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday due to an injury.

The Republic of Ireland striker had been expected to start for the Seagulls after coming off the bench to play 25 minutes in their 2-0 win over Ajax last Thursday.

But Ferguson was not part of the squad for the Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon and is now an injury concern for Ireland’s final Euro 2024 qualifier away to the Netherlands on Friday night.

Speaking before the Sheffield United clash, Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi said of the 19-year-old: “He has an injury. He has a problem and we can’t take a risk.”

It is understood that Ferguson is suffering with a back issue, with the Stephen Kenny’s backroom team to liaise with Brighton’s medical team.

As well as Friday’s clash with the Netherlands, the Boys in Green also face New Zealand in a friendly during the upcoming international window, with the latter of those clashes being James McClean’s last in an Ireland jersey.

Meath native Ferguson signed a contract extension with Brighton just days ago, with de Zerbi saying at the time: “Evan deserves this new contract and he has a very big future ahead of him.”

Brighton’s technical director David Weir added, “Evan is a brilliant young talent and we are delighted for him.

“He’s shown his ability at club and international level, after breaking into the team at the start of the year, and we are looking forward to working with him and watching his continued progress.”