Evan Ferguson is set to be an important part of Fabian Huerzeler’s squad and would have made his return last night if not for Matt O’Riley’s injury.

Tuesday night saw Bart Verbruggen and Pervis Estupinan make their returns from injury after weeks and months on the side lines in the build up to the new season.

And young starlet Ferguson would have joined the pair on the Amex pitch to get some well-needed minutes under his belt – but O’Riley’s early substitution made plans “complicated”.

Speaking about Ferguson’s return, Fabian Huerzeler said: “The injury for Matt makes our plans complicated. The plan [for Ferguson] was different. We had to react quickly.

“We wanted Evan to play but we couldn’t manage it because if the substitutions.

“He’s a good boy he wants to play.

“I’m feeling unhappy today that he didn’t get the minutes but he will be back soon. Let’s see if it’s on Saturday or not but he will be an important part of our squad.”

Ferguson has been out of action for Albion since March after sustaining a foot injury against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Pervis Estupinan made his long-awaited return from season-ending ankle surgery in April by coming off the bench against Crawley in the 4-0 Carabao Cup win.

And Bart Verbruggen returned to the starting team after time away following the Euros where he starred for the Netherlands.

Huerzeler said the trio could be in line to travel to the Emirates on Saturday against Arsenal following their performances.

He said: “With Pervis, let’s see how he reacts after his performance today.

“He had a long injury being out for four or five months so we have to see how he reacts and gets back tomorrow.

“Bart will be part of the squad he made a really good performance today and made good saves.

“He was very good in possession and was organising well out of possession so I was happy with his performance.”