The Seagulls head coach has guided his men to sixth in the Premier League with five wins and two defeats so far. Last Saturday’s 6-1 loss at Aston Villa was however a stinging blow and came fresh from Albion’s 1-0 Carabao Cup exit to Chelsea last Wednesday. Attentions now swiftly turn to Europa League action as Brighton travel to Marseille for a Group B clash. Brighton will be keen to get their campaign up and running after they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to AEK Athens in their first group match two weeks ago. Brighton were a bit patched up for that one and the injury to skipper Lewis Dunk saw Albion looked vulnerable defensively. De Zerbi has promised a big reaction following their mauling at Villa Park and the Italian hopes his key players will be fit and firing for the Orange Vélodrome – their first ever away match in Europe.
Here’s a list of the walking wounded and who is fit and who is doubtful ahead of the Seagulls’ historic trip...
1.
Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi will hope some his injured players return for the Europa League clash in Marseille Photo: James Gill
2. James Milner - doubt
Played 55 minutes against AEK Athens and has not been seen since. Battling back from a muscular injury and will hope to be fit to face Marseille. Photo: Mike Hewitt
3. Pascal Gross - doubt
Vital to Brighton's chances in Marseille. Played the full 90 against AEK and has not featured for Albion since. De Zerbi will hope the experienced German can recover in time and take his place in central midfield Photo: Alex Pantling
4. Adam Lallana - doubt
Another experienced campaigner who is struggling for full fitness. Featured for the last 12 minutes at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup but then missed the Aston Villa match with a 'not so serious injury'. Photo: Michael Regan