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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Oisin Doherty

Evan Ferguson not ruled out of FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United

Evan Ferguson could still feature for Brighton despite his injury concerns in their FA Cup semi-final encounter with Manchester United this weekend.

The Republic of Ireland star was withdrawn before half-time during the Seagulls 2-1 victory over Chelsea last Saturday after suffering an ankle injury.

Despite the injury, which is the second ankle injury sustained by Ferguson this year, manager Roberto De Zerbi has refused to rule the 18-year-old out of the Wembley clash.

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“The injury situation is not clear yet,” said De Zerbi on Friday.

“We will see tomorrow morning. We have another two days, so we have time to understand the situation and analyse our situation.”

The sides famously clashed in the final of the 1983 FA Cup, which United won 4-0 via a replay after a 2-2 draw first time around.

Brighton have had the edge over the Red Devils in recent times, famously beating Ralf Rangnick's side 4-0 last season and won 2-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season in Erik Ten Hag's first game in charge of the club.

United have recovered since then and given their League Cup exploits at Wembley in February, will be many people's favourites to get to the final.

But Brighton have had a magical season of their own, and De Zerbi is encouraging his players to relish the opportunity to reach a first FA Cup final in 40 years.

“If we want to progress, if want to improve our mentality, we have to play natural,” said the Italian.

“We have not to suffer pressure or maybe it’s better we have to love this pressure.

“We have to get used to feeling this pressure because to play this type of game has to be an honour, not a problem.

“I would like to start the game with the positive head, the positive idea and to enjoy. To show our quality we have to try to enjoy.”

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