Brighton & Hove Albion’s Julio Enciso has undergone a second minor procedure in his recovery from a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The 19-year-old Paraguay international is expected to return to action in February, in time for Brighton’s two-legged last-16 tie in the Europa League the following month against opponents yet to be determined.
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Enciso sustained the damage during training at the end of August, days after playing a pivotal part in a 4-1 win for Roberto De Zerbi’s side at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the No 10 role on his first start of the season.
Two assists in the convincing victory at Molineux increased his tally to four goals and four assists in his last 14 Premier League appearances after joining Brighton from Libertad for £9.5million (now $12.1m) in the summer of 2022.
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50 to watch - Julio Enciso: Brighton's 'jewel' and next South American sensation
Enciso could return to action as a global award winner. His spectacular equaliser from long range at home to Manchester City in May that rounded off a stunning team move has been shortlisted for FIFA’s Puskas award for goal of the year.
Enciso faces competition from Brazilian Guilherme Madruga’s bicycle kick for Novorizontino against Botafogo and Portugal’s Nuno Santos for his ‘Rabona’ for Sporting Lisbon against Boavista. The winner will be announced in a ceremony in London on January 15.
The FIFA Puskas Award Finalists! 🚀⭐
🇵🇾 Julio Enciso
🇧🇷 Guilherme Madruga
🇵🇹 Nuno SantosWatch the final three. 🧵👇
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2023
As well as Enciso, De Zerbi is currently without long-term injury absentees Solly March, Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster and Ansu Fati.
Danny Welbeck returned as a substitute from two months out with hamstring trouble in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, but Joel Veltman joined the casualty list with a knee injury suffered in the first half at the Emirates.
Brighton visit rivals Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
