Matt O’Riley was crocked on his Brighton debut in what looked a horror challenge.
The Celtic hero cost the Seagulls a record £30million Scottish football fee and after his incredible form in the Premiership, he looked worth every penny.
A brutal tackle, though, on his first appearance against Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup threw a spanner in the works, as confirmed by manager Fabian Hurzeler, for the Danish playmaker who had hoped to hit the ground running.
Still, there is time for the 23-year-old to make his mark this season and fans spotted a significant clue that he could be making his comeback on the pitch sooner rather than later.
Footage shared by the club’s official channels showed the midfielder back on the training pitch and involved in drills aside from his first-team pals
Brighton shared a short clip of their new talisman, seemingly training alone to build fitness, as they captioned it: “Getting closer,” accompanied by a Denmark flag.
Manager Hurzeler confirmed, however, that this coming weekend’s clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park would come just too soon for the player.
Matt O’Riley was injured just eight minutes into his Brighton debut
However fans were still delighted to see their man back on the grass and stepping up his return efforts with so much of the season still to come.
O’Riley managed just eight minutes of football on his debut against the League One side when he was clattered on the ankle with a seriously high challenge from Jai Williams.
Somehow the Englishman avoided a straight red card for his efforts but O’Riley’s side had the last laugh in a 4-0 mauling at the Amex Stadium.
O’Riley’s Celtic stats exploded before his £30million transfer exit
O’Riley won his move to the Premier League thanks to stunning form last term for the Hoops, sweeping the internal Player of the Year awards.
He hit 19 goals and 18 assists in his most fruitful campaign in his career to date.
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