Evan Ferguson fitness boost as Brighton manager issues update on transfer talk

Evan Ferguson could make his comeback from injury this weekend when Brighton take on high-flying Nottingham Forest.

But in the longer-term, Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler concedes that he might have to be “somewhere else” if he wants to play regular first-team football.

Ferguson is back training with his teammates, having shaken off his latest ankle injury.

“Ferguson has trained for the first time yesterday,” said Hurzeler. “He's in good shape and we are very happy he is back in our squad.

“He came through training today without injury. We will see what happens. Honestly I'm ok that he is in our squad, I am happy he's in our squad.

“I think if everything goes well with the last training sessions then for sure he will be an option (for the Forest game).”

As for the Ireland striker’s prospects of playing regular football between now and the end of the season, Hurzeler acknowledged that Ferguson was eager for more action.

After missing the last six matches through injury, he is back just in time for the final days of the January transfer window and is in high demand.

West Ham, managed by his former boss Graham Potter, Everton and Bournemouth are among the Premier League clubs linked with him, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United are all said to be keeping tabs on the forward.

And abroad, Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille have Ferguson on their watchlist, as do a number of Bundesliga outfits.

“My job is to focus on the work with the players outside on the pitch, that's what we do,” he said.

“We trained very well yesterday, he trained well yesterday. The other things we can't influence. He knows my thoughts, the thoughts of the club, we know the thoughts from Evan. That's the important thing.

“We want to improve the development of the players, we want to help him, therefore we need an exchange, then we see what makes sense for the player in the next six months, we will make a decision together, it's not an individual decision.

“I felt in the conversations that I have had with Evan that he only wants to play, that is the main thing. No matter if it is here or at another club.

“I'm happy he is in our squad, I want to keep working with him. Like I said, it's always important to discuss with him the importance of the development of the player.”

Hurzeler hopes that this is the end of Ferguson’s injury woes.

“I think it's difficult if you always have small issues, you can't get in the rhythm and I think that's the main thing,” he said.

“We need to get Evan being stable on the pitch, being consistent on the pitch. We try to help him to get in the right shape and be resilient. He shows in every session that he has an unbelievable skill.”

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