Evan Ferguson has been told he is “the future of Brighton” after his season was cut short.

The Albion striker has called time on the 2023-24 campaign after initially looking to play through pain caused by an ankle problem.

He is one of up to nine players who will miss the visit of Manchester City to the Amex this evening (8pm).

Pervis Estupinan has also been ruled out for all remaining fixtures due to a calf muscle issue.

Ferguson had a flying start to the season as he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle but has since found life tough.

Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “We have to make a difference between injuries and the way of his career.

“The injuries you can’t control. The journey in terms of progressing is different.

“You have to accept that a player so young, just 19, can spend a very good moment, scoring goals, and then have a different, opposite, moment. A tough moment. Especially for a striker.

“Sometimes as a striker you can score two goals a game. Then suddenly you are not able to score even with your hand!

“But this is football, and for young players it can happen. They can play one season great and the next season not so good.”

Ferguson has not scored since late November but still has a tally of 12 Premier League goals six months short of his 20th birthday.

De Zerbi said: “We have to analyse the injuries now, the level of the injuries, and then we can speak and we can organise and make a plan for the future.

“For sure he is the future of Brighton, like Enciso."