Injured Ireland striker Evan Ferguson has returned to his parent club, Brighton and Hove Albion, for medical assessment, according to reports in Italy.
AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has raised fears about his on-loan forward’s well-being in recent weeks, revealing the 21-year-old has sustained four separate strains on his ankles.
He’s been unavailable for Roma’s last six games and with no timeline on his return, it was felt that a medical opinion from his club’s medical department was best.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler was content to allow his Irishman to spend the season in the Serie A due to a lack of scope for Premier League exposure but this injury has removed any recall dilemma.
Ferguson has scored five goals in his 22 appearances since joining Roma, who hold a €40m buy option in the summer.
His veteran Italian boss Gasperini has projected mixed signals, questioning his attitude and physical condition while also pleading for fans to afford patience for his true potential to surface.
This latest development will be of interest to Ireland manager Heimir HallgrÃmsson.
Only last week he confirmed an understanding from dialogue with the player on his readiness for the World Cup playoff semi-final in Czechia on March 26.
The Bettystown man will require some club minutes before being considered a viable option to figure in that game, ideally in the same team as fellow attacker Troy Parrott.
