Brighton and Hove Albion have been handed a big double injury blow with Georginio Rutter and Adam Webster possibly out for the remainder of the season.
Both players have been regulars in the Seagulls’ starting line-up this season, with Webster wearing the captain’s armband for the last four Premier League matches.
But the duo were forced off during the FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest at the weekend - a game which Brighton lost on penalties.
Giving an update in a press conference ahead of Brighton’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the blow.
"Both injuries I can say don't look great,” he said. “We have to add them on our injury list. Georginio has an ankle injury and Adam has a muscle injury. It's possible [that they will be out for the season]."
He however outlined the opportunity it presents to other players. "We see more an opportunity and a chance because we always were able to replace the players who were injured.
"It's another chance for Brajan Gruda, another chance for Matt O’Riley, another chance for Eiran Cashin. Lewis Dunk is coming back. So I see it more as an opportunity,” he said.
"I will never complain about the injuries. Georgi and Adam were in a great shape, but that's football. We have to deal with it. We have had to deal with the injuries this season.
"We are always a team who were able to replace the injured players and now other players have the chance to step in.
"That's why I'm really looking forward to it – the players who have the possibility now and the chance to start the game or to replace the injured players. They can show their potential and therefore we try to help them, that they can get integrated as quickly as possible."
Brighton are one of several teams fighting to play European football next season, along with Chelsea and Fulham.
The Seagulls currently sit in seventh place in the table, just two points behind Chelsea in fourth position, with Fulham a further two points behind in eighth place.
It’s a race that could go down to the wire with just five points separating Chelsea in fourth and 10th placed Bournemouth.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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