March stretchered off in tears with gruesome-looking injury as Brighton crisis deepens

The right winger, who was playing at left back on the day against Manchester City, was taken off in the fourth minute of stoppage time in clear distress.

Jostling for play with Bernardo Silva on the touchline, March's knee seemed to bend while moving position, and he let out a scream before collapsing to the ground and covering his face.

March left the field on a stretcher in tears after a lengthy stoppage.

The news will come as a huge blow to Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is already without fullbacks Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Esupinan.

On top of that Julio Enciso and Danny Welbeck are now out of action, while Brighton have an extra game load, playing their first season of European football.

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Speaking post-match, De Zerbi said: "I don't know what he's done. This is the worst thing today, we can lose Solly March for a long time."

Brighton eventually lost the game 2-1 to City, with Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland scoring early on before Ansu Fati cut the deficit.

Manuel Akanji was sent off a minute later for a second yellow card, but Brighton couldn't find an equaliser ahead of their home Europa League tie with Ajax on Thursday.