Solly March: Brighton winger could be out for a 'long time' with injury
- Published
March has made 10 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season
Brighton winger Solly March could be out for a "long time" said manager Roberto de Zerbi after the Seagulls' defeat by Manchester City.
The 29-year-old left the field on a stretcher in the fourth minute of stoppage time after appearing to bend his knee awkwardly.
De Zerbi said he does not yet know the specific injury or length of absence.
"We are playing a different sport this season and we are losing too many players," said the Brighton boss.
Jostling for the ball with Bernardo Silva on the touchline, March's knee seemed to twist awkwardly and he collapsed to the ground in clear pain, covering his face with his shirt.
Brighton lost the Premier League tie at Etihad Stadium 2-1 and the injury came in a good period for the Seagulls as they probed for an equaliser.
"The worst thing today is I think we are losing March for a long time," De Zerbi said.
Brighton forward Danny Welbeck also had to be replaced early in the match and De Zerbi said the 32-year-old had picked up a muscle injury.
"I'm frustrated, we lost two important players," he said.
Brighton are playing in Europe for the first time in their history this season and the intensified schedule appears to be taking its toll.
"It's tough because we play against Ajax - a crucial game - without [Pervis] Estupinan, [Tariq] Lamptey, March and Welbeck," added De Zerbi.
"We need more players. We are not used to playing in European competition. We have to find a solution to play and compete in every competition."
March has had a serious knee injury before, suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2015 which saw him miss the rest of the 2015-16 season.
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