Brighton & Hove Albion's pre-season preparations have been dealt a significant blow as emerging defensive talent Maelys Mpome sustained a serious knee injury during their tour of the United States.
The 18-year-old French prospect, who has been turning heads with his performances for the Seagulls' development squad, suffered the setback in a training session ahead of Brighton's friendly clash against fellow Premier League side Brentford in Atlanta.
Promising Career Temporarily Derailed
Medical assessments have confirmed the young defender faces an extended period on the treatment table, with early indications suggesting Mpome could be sidelined for several months. The timing couldn't be worse for the talented teenager, who was hoping to make an impression on manager Roberto De Zerbi during the crucial pre-season period.
Brighton's medical team are currently evaluating the full extent of the damage and formulating a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for the France youth international.
De Zerbi's Selection Headache
The injury comes as a particular frustration for the Seagulls' coaching staff, who had high hopes for Mpome's development this season. Having joined the club's esteemed academy system, the defender had been identified as one for the future and was expected to feature prominently for the under-21s while potentially pushing for first-team opportunities.
This setback represents the second significant injury blow for Brighton during their American tour, following Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma's earlier fitness concerns.
Road to Recovery
While the exact timeframe for Mpome's return remains uncertain, the club has confirmed he will immediately begin specialist treatment and rehabilitation. Brighton's state-of-the-art medical facilities and sports science department will oversee his recovery every step of the way.
The Frenchman now faces a challenging period of rehabilitation, but the club remains confident in his ability to overcome this obstacle and resume his promising career trajectory in due course.
