'A hefty blow' - Evan Ferguson absence explained for Brighton against Man United

Ferguson, 18, has been in fine form for Brighton in his breakthrough season and has seven goals in all-competitions for the Seagulls.

He has earned the trust of his head coach Roberto De Zerbi who developed Ferguson well and introduced him into the team and also taken him out of the firing line at the right moments. Ferguson has shared the striking responsibilities with experienced front runner Danny Welbeck this term and the two have been the ideal combination combination as Albion continue their quest for European qualification.

Ferguson impressed in the previous round as his two goals helped sink League Two Grimsby Town in a 5-0 quarter-final win at the Amex Stadium. Ferguson’s eye for goal and physical presence has been a real boost for the Albion attack but an ankle injury has ruled him out of the semi-final clash with Man United.

Ferguson was on the receiving end of a hefty and painful blow to his foot during Albion’s 2-1 win at Chelsea last weekend. The striker has failed to recover in time and Welbeck will take on the bulk of the striking duties at Wembley.

German striker Deniz Undav is also on the bench as Julio Enciso – who scored a 30-yard belter at Chelsea last week – plays behind Welbeck and the attacking threat of Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma.

Defender Joel Veltman was fit enough for the bench after limping off at Stamford Bridge with Pascal Gross likely to start at right back.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag made three changes for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton at Wembley.

Luke Shaw came in at centre-back for suspended Harry Maguire, with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes replacing Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer from the side that lost 3-0 at Sevilla in the Europa League.

Brighton: Sanchez, Gross, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan, Mac Allister, Caicedo, March, Enciso, Mitoma, Welbeck. Subs: Steele, Colwill, Undav, Ayari, Gilmour, Van Hecke, Veltman, Buonaotte, Offiah.