Mark O'Mahony named on bench due to concerns over Ansu Fati's fitness
Carrigaline's Mark O'Mahony was named on bench for Wednesday's Brentford clash ahead of Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati by manager Roberto de Zerbi due to concerns over Fati's "physical condition".
O'Mahony was not sprung from the bench on the night and has not made his senior debut for the club to date. The forward is progressing well with the Seagulls since moving from Cork City in 2023.
The 19-year-old joins defender Leigh Kavanagh, midfielder Andrew Moran (on loan from Blackburn) and forward Evan Ferguson as part of a significant Irish contingent at Brighton.
"Fati and Valentin Barco, I didn’t decide to play with them in the squad for this game," said de Zerbi.
"I wanted them to work alone to improve their physical condition."
Fati's surprise move from the Nou Camp has seen him net just four goals and has not scored one since he returned from a three month hamstring injury in February.
"Fati is working very well but from him I have different expectations," said de Zerbi.
"I haven’t changed my opinion about Ansu Fati. He is one of the best talents in the world for his age.
"[He needs] to improve his performances, to improve his physical condition, to improve his mentality because to play in the Premier League you have to be stronger in mentality, stronger physically.
"When he shows us the right condition, he will be ready to play for us and I will be happy."
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