Brighton's Julio Enciso Faces Three-Month Absence Following Knee Surgery

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Brighton's Julio Enciso faces another extended absence due to a knee injury requiring surgery. The 21-year-old, who joined Brighton from Libertad three years ago, will be sidelined for approximately three months. Enciso has been plagued by knee issues since his arrival. Last season, while on loan at Ipswich Town, he suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during a match against Aston Villa.

Despite the setback, scans showed the injury was less severe than initially thought, allowing him to play ten more games for Ipswich before their relegation. Enciso also endured a significant knee injury during his second season with Brighton, which kept him out for six months. This latest development is disappointing for both the club and the player, who reportedly seeks a move away from the Seagulls this summer.

Brighton maintained their flawless start to pre-season preparations for the 2025-26 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Stoke City on Wednesday. Goals from Kaoru Mitoma, Diego Coppola, and Georginio Rutter secured the win. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed satisfaction with his team's progress compared to his first pre-season last year.

"A win is always important in a test game or not," Hurzeler stated. "It gives the players self-confidence. I think we saw positives, negatives and things to improve." He noted that new players adapted quickly and demonstrated significant potential. "Compared to my first pre-season we have better relationships," he added.

Since joining Brighton, Enciso has participated in 70 matches across various competitions, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. His contributions have been valuable despite recurring injuries affecting his availability on the pitch.

Hurzeler acknowledged that while the squad is large at present, players understand their roles well. "We are one step further than we were," he said. "Now we have to make decisions about selling and loaning players." He emphasised his desire to work with all available players regardless of numbers.

Brighton will kick off their Premier League season at home against Fulham on August 16. The team aims to build on their pre-season momentum as they prepare for competitive action in the upcoming campaign.