Roberto De Zerbi has provided a positive update on Albion’s long injury list.
Brighton’s head coach hopes to have defenders Tariq Lamptey and Joel Veltman back in contention for Saturday’s match at Fulham.
He also said Evan Ferguson could be back for Albion’s trip to Putney after an ankle injury against Everton.
De Zerbi hopes to have James Milner and Joao Pedro back by mid-March which could put them in contention for the quarter final home leg against Roma on March 14.
Although the Premier League trip to Anfield on March 31 looks more likely.
Pedro had been in a rich vein of form with six goals in six matches this year.
De Zerbi said: “I hope Tariq can be available for Saturday. Joel Veltman as well. Milner we need another minimum two or three weeks. We lost Mitoma. For Joao Pedro I think he needs two to three weeks again. I lost Ferguson but I hope he can play Saturday.
“Welbeck he wasn’t in a condition to start the game. You can win the game with qualities but you can win the game with pride.
“The game against Fulham is Saturday and we have to be ready to fight and play our best. The Premier League is fantastic, it’s full of fans, every stadium an incredible atmosphere. We have to consider our self lucky playing in the Premier League.”
Albion crashed out of the FA Cup in the fifth round with a 1-0 defeat against Wolves last night.
The Seagulls conceded in the opening two minutes after Lemina turned in a loose ball that was dropped by Jason Steele from a cross.
Brighton kept up the pressure and played neat football throughout much of the game but struggled to get shots on target and test Jose Sa.
De Zerbi hailed his young side's performance as Albion battle on multiple fronts with a long injury list.
Julio Enciso made another positive impact on his second appearance since suffering a long-term knee injury in August. The Paraguayan won three fouls in three minutes immediately after coming on.
Valentin Barco made his English debut, almost four years to the day since Alexis Mac Allister had his first start against Wolves at the Molineux just before the Covid lockdown in March 2020.
Wolves will host Coventry City in the quarter finals on March 16.
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