De Zerbi could rest Estupinan

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Defender made two appearances for his country in the last week.

Charlie Hanson

2023-09-16T06:00:00Z

Pervis Estupinan hasn't missed a minute of Premier League football for Albion so far this campaign.

Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he might have to rest Pervis Estupinan against Manchester United on Saturday.

The full-back returned from South America after international duty with Ecuador, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Argentina before beating Uruguay 2-1 in Quito.

“We have substitutions. We have [James] Milner, Tariq Lamptey, Pascal Gross, Igor [Julio]. Okay, Igor is a centre-back but he has played in the past in that position. Maybe a different way, in a different style, but he can if we need him play in that position.

“I don’t remember how many games until Liverpool [the last game before the next international break] but we have to keep our eye first on the Manchester United game – but we also have to think of other games.

Ansu Fati could make his debut Albion against Manchester United on Saturday.

“First of all, we can’t lose any player and we have to manage in the best way. If Pervis travelled 12 hours and he played 180 minutes in the last week, we have to consider it.”

One player who could feature on Saturday is new signing Ansu Fati, who has joined us on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

"He's a great guy, a positive guy, always works with a smile and with the right behaviour,” De Zerbi said.

"He's a different player. We can help him to progress, but he can help us. He can become a top player for us this season and he can help us to reach our target."