Ferguson, who has been trying to overcome an ankle injury and missed a large chunk of the Premier League campaign last year, also missed Ireland's June games against Portugal and Austria.
Ferguson appears to be on the mend now; however, Huerzeler, the new Brighton manager, admitted that the second game of the season could be a more suitable return for Meath native Ferguson.
"There are quite a few players who came back this week. I can't say if they're already ready for the first game at Everton. Pervis Estupiñán is back on the pitch, Tariq Lamptey is back on the pitch, and Ferguson will be too. So, it’s great news, but I'm not sure if they're ready for the first match," said Huerzeler on Friday.
"I think that the squad that played against Villarreal should be ready."
The good news for Ireland fans is that if Huerzeler's prediction is accurate and Ferguson's injury troubles subside, he will be in contention to be part of Heimir Hallgrímsson's squad for the games against England at the Aviva Stadium on September 7 and the Greece fixture at the same venue three days later.
🚨🎙️ Fabian Hürzeler on injuries:
“Pervis is back on the pitch, Tariq is back on the pitch, Ferguson will be too. So it’s great news, but I'm not sure if they're ready for the first match.
I think that the squad who played against Villarreal - all of them should be ready.”…
— Brighton Bubble (@BrightonBubble) August 15, 2024
The Irish striker, who is seen as one of the most coveted names in English football, has been linked to Manchester United.
The Manchester Evening News claims that figures at Manchester United have been monitoring the Brighton talent, and a transfer bid could be made for Ferguson to join United.
The outlet says, "Could that open the door for United to swoop for Ferguson? The Manchester Evening News understands the Irish striker was being monitored by key figures at Old Trafford last season, while fresh reports doing the rounds suggest the 19-year-old is being priced up by United for a £50 million transfer."
"If that is the case, though, United has to ease PSR concerns in the first instance. Ineos has spent £150 million+ on Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee so far this summer, while they are continuing to pursue another midfielder to provide cover and competition for Casemiro."
Everton play Brighton on Saturday at 3 p.m.
