Fabian Hurzeler says Evan Ferguson is making “daily progress” as the Brighton & Hove Albion striker continues his recovery from ankle surgery.
The injury has kept the Republic of Ireland international out since March, but the latest update offers encouragement as he works towards returning during the opening months of the season.
Ferguson spent last season on loan at Roma, scoring five goals in 22 appearances before his campaign ended prematurely because of the ankle problem.
The 21-year-old subsequently underwent surgery after returning to Brighton. The club previously confirmed Hurzeler expected Ferguson to come back stronger following the operation.
Evan Ferguson Brighton injury recovery moving forward
Hurzeler provided his latest update following Saturday’s 4-3 friendly victory over Strasbourg.
“Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson are in rehab,” the Brighton boss said.
“Stef is the closest but Ferguson is making daily progress.”
Ferguson is unlikely to be available when Brighton begin their competitive campaign, with his return potentially not arriving until later in the autumn.
His eventual comeback could nevertheless become increasingly important following Danny Welbeck’s move to Chelsea.
Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals last season and carried much of Brighton’s goalscoring burden. That leaves Hurzeler requiring other forwards to take greater responsibility.
ReadBrighton reported on Saturday’s seven-goal victory over Strasbourg, which provided further opportunities for Brighton’s remaining attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Charalampos Kostoulas is pushing for a larger role, while Tzimas is also progressing through his rehabilitation.
Ferguson has previously been linked with leaving the Amex after two difficult seasons, but Welbeck’s departure changes the picture.
Brighton do not need to make an immediate decision while he remains injured.
The priority is getting Ferguson fully fit. If he can eventually rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most highly-rated young strikers, Hurzeler may already possess part of the solution to Brighton’s new attacking problem.
