Brighton's Lamptey Out for Everton Clash
Brighton & Hove Albion will be without the pacey Tariq Lamptey for their Premier League opener against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the news, stating that while Lamptey, along with Pervis Estupinan and Evan Ferguson, have returned to training, they are not yet match fit. "It's great news they're back," Hurzeler said, "but I'm not sure they'll be ready for the first game."
Lamptey is expected to play a crucial role for Brighton this season after battling injuries last campaign under Roberto De Zerbi. The Ghanaian made 19 Premier League appearances last season.
Despite missing the Everton match, Lamptey is expected to be fit for Ghana's opening two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger next month.
The Seagulls will be hoping to start the season strongly despite the absence of Lamptey. Their opponents, Everton, under Sean Dyche, will be looking to build on their improved performance towards the end of last season. The Toffees will be hoping to avoid a relegation battle this year, having finished 17th in the table last season.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a positive start to the new Premier League campaign.