Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley is on track for an early return from an ankle injury sustained during his unfortunate debut against Crawley Town.
O’Riley moved from Celtic to Brighton in the last week of the summer transfer window in a record-breaking transfer which could reach the £30 million mark.
After signing on the Monday, he was given his debut on the Tuesday. But, just 6 minutes into his devut at the Amex, he was forced off the pitch following a really poor tackle.
The incident required surgery, with initial estimates suggesting a recovery period of three months. However, he could be back on the pitch sooner than expected.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler shared optimistic updates on O’Riley’s recovery, suggesting the 23-year-old Denmark international could be back in action sooner than initially expected.
“He’s in very good spirits,” the Brighton manager said, as quoted by the Metro.
“He has a great character, a great attitude, so immediately after the surgery he was very, very positive.
“He is around us in the training ground, he is doing his rehab already. I think he will be coming back quite fast.”
Celtic replaced Matt O’Riley with record-signing Arne Engels, who made his debut from off the bench in the Hoops’ Glasgow Derby win.
Celtic had made contact with the Belgian six weeks before Matt O’Riley made his departure, clearly lining up a replacement ahead of the Dane’s anticipated exit.
It’s not been the ideal start for Matt down south, but he’s the type of character who won’t let this affect him and kick on in his career when he returns from the sidelines.
