'Twists his knee' - Brighton rocked by gutting injury for £22 million man just days after big breakthrough
Brighton striker Stefanos Tzimas was forced off with an injury, just 24 minutes into his first ever Premier League start.
The 19-year-old – who scored his first goal in England’s top division at Nottingham Forest on Sunday (November 30) – was rewarded with a start just three days later.
But his dream evening was cut short mid-way through the first-half.
Greek journalist Dimitris Manakos reported on X: “Tzimas goes to close down [Pau] Torres and gets his studs stuck in the floor and twists his knee. He was down for about five minutes…Stay strong, Stef!”
Jack Hinshelwood came on in Tzimas’ place and the 20-year-old played a major part in Albion’s second goal of the evening. His attempt at a cut-back was turned in by Villa defender Torres.
This put the hosts two goals ahead but an Ollie Watkins brace meant the game was level at half-time.
‘The Premier League was my dream’
Tzimas has had to be patient since signing for Brighton, as Fabian Hurzeler gave the youngster time to settle before unleashing the striker.
He put his name in lights after scoring the crucial second goal after coming on a substitute at Nottingam Forest.
“My first goal in the Premier League, I'm really happy for this,” he told reporters, post-match.
"The Premier League was my dream and now to score a goal, it doesn't feel real.
"My time has been really nice.
"I'm settling in very well here. My teammates helped me a lot to adapt. But I think the most difficult is the physical aspect but right now I feel good.
"I'm really enjoying being here. I had an injury in the summer.I worked hard through this. And now I feel very good.”
Tzimas said Hurzeler is a ‘great coach’.
The former FC Nürnberg forward said: “He helps all the players to reach their full potential.
"In my position, I can learn a lot of things from him. He helps me also a lot."
Before his move to England, Tzimas plied his trade in the second German division – 2. Bundesliga.
He said he noticed ‘a lot of differences’ in English football – particularly when it comes to physicality.
"I knew I was going to wait because I know the level is the top level football,” he said. “So I had to be patient.
"I had to work hard to reach the physicality that I needed. And now I would say I feel good.
"Of course, I have improved a lot. But small things I can learn from Danny [Welbeck].
"But last year also my coach was Miroslav Klose. So I learned a lot from him.
"Some small things about positioning especially – where I have to move and everything.”