Brighton and Hove Albion manager Robert De Zerbi has admitted he is waiting until the last minute to see if Evan Ferguson will be fit to face Manchester United on Saturday.
The 18-year-old scored his first hat-trick in English football prior to the international break as the Seagulls beat Newcastle United 3-1. However, Ferguson was dealt a blow when he was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad due to injury.
MEN Sport understands United are monitoring Ferguson after his promising start to life on the South Coast. But, the Irishman may not be able to show off his talents in front of Erik ten Hag this weekend.
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In his pre-match press conference when asked about Ferguson's fitness, De Zerbi said: "Evan Ferguson returned to training yesterday. We will see how he is this afternoon and tomorrow morning."
The Seagulls go into the match at Old Trafford full of confidence and will be hoping to add another scalp to their list on Saturday. However, De Zerbi is adamant his team will not take United lightly.
"It will be an honour for me to coach in this stadium but I don’t go there as a tourist," he added ahead of his first trip to the Theatre of Dreams. "We want to play in the right way and to win.
"Manchester United is still a great team in Europe. There will be a great atmosphere but our DNA is to try and play well, keeping the ball and trying to win.
"For sure it’s a tough game but we have the quality to win and play a good game."
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