Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is set to miss the start of the new season through injury, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper had a stellar Euro 2024 campaign, starting every single one of the Netherlands’ games but is due to be out for six weeks with an unspecified injury.
This means Verbruggen is set to miss Brighton’s opening Premier League game at Everton on August 17th as well as their first home game against Manchester United.
Following fellow Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen’s cruciate ligament injury, Brighton and new manager Fabian Hurzeler may have to rely on Englishman Jason Steele for the start of the season.
Brighton lacking in goalkeepers after Verbruggen injury
Following the sale of Robert Sanchez who joined Chelsea for £25 million last summer, Verbruggen has been Brighton’s go-to between the sticks.
Under Roberto de Zerbi, the number one position was heavily rotated between Verbruggen and Steele, but since the Italian coach has left, he is likely to become the first choice.
Verbruggen made 27 appearances for Brighton in all competitions last season, his first campaign with the club since joining from Belgian side Anderlecht in July 2023.
He has since become Ronald Koeman’s starting goalkeeper for Holland, helping his side reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by England.
