Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati had to be replaced in the first half of Brighton's clash with Nottingham Forest after picking up an injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Fati lasts just 21 minutes at City GroundReplaced by Joao PedriJoins lengthy list of injured players at BrightonWHAT HAPPENED?

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi named Ansu Fati in his starting line-up against Nottingham Forest but saw the loanee forced off after just 21 minutes of the game at the City Ground. Fati picked up an injury and signalled to the bench that he could not continue. Joao Pedro came on to replace the 21-year-old attacker.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The news is a worrying development for Fati as he has been plagued by injury after breaking onto the scene with Barcelona as a 16-year-old back in 2019. A serious knee problem forced Fati to go under the knife and onto the sidelines for the long term and was followed by a succession of muscle problems that saw his career stall. Fati opted to move to Brighton on loan in the summer in a bid to gain regular game time and will be praying his latest setback is not serious.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Fati's replacement Pedro went on to score against Forest along with Evan Ferguson to put Brighton in front after conceding an early goal to Anthony Elanga. The goals mean that Brighton are the first side to both score and concede in 17 consecutive top-flight games since Manchester United in 1959-60 (also 17 in a row).

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

De Zerbi will be sweating on Fati's fitness and that of Tariq Lamptey who was also forced off with an injury. The Brighton boss is in the midst of an injury crisis with Danny Welbeck, Pervis Estupinan, Solly March, Karou Mitoma, James Milner and Julio Enciso also sidelined currently.