In what has been a never-ending season of injuries for Albion, Roberto De Zerbi told his pre-Burnley press conference that both Julio Enciso and Tariq Lamptey will not be available to face Burnley this weekend.
Albion’s head coach indicated he is still without nine players which I shall now attempt to name without looking elsewhere, because that’s cheating:
Solly March
Jack Hinshelwood
Kaoru Mitoma
James Milner
Evan Ferguson
Billy Gilmour
Julio Enciso
Tariq Lamptey
That’s eight. Who’s the ninth? I’m now going to cheat…
Adam Webster
It may need a minor miracle for Albion to qualify for a second consecutive season of European football, but if they are going to do so, three points at relegation-threatened Burnley looks a must.
It’s a blow to lose Paraguayan Enciso who has only recently returned from long-term injury and has been rebuilding match fitness, whilst Tariq Lamptey has provided some bright moments during Albion’s recent run of poor results.
De Zerbi also confirmed that Bart Verbruggen will be between the sticks again, adding further evidence that rotating-keeper-gate may now be finally over, something many Albion fans have been calling for. It will be the Dutch stopper’s sixth consecutive start.
Albion are undefeated in their last three visits to Turf Moor, winning two and drawing the other. In the last encounter in East Lancashire Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister scored as Albion came from behind to record a 2-1 victory.
Earlier this season the sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Amex in what was a frustrating encounter for the Seagulls. Albion bossed possession and shots rained down on the Clarets’ goal. However, young Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford proved hard to beat, with only Simon Adingra was able to do so.
Albion fan favourite Simon “Hoops” Hooper is set to take charge of the fixture.
Images courtesy of Reuters
