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...
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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
. 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
. 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
5. Jakub Moder - out
The Poland international has not featured for more than a year but is said to be very close to a return. Reports that he returned to full training which is a welcome boost for an area of the pitch that has lacks depth Photo: Warren Little
6. Lewis Dunk - fit
Missed the AEK Athens match due to a minor injury injury and was patched up to face Bournemouth. Looked off the pace at times against Villa but he was far from the only one. Should be fit to make his Europa League debut in Marseille and what a time and what a place to do it Photo: James Gill
7. Pervis Estupiñán - fit
The Ecuadorian struggled badly at Aston Villa and was withdrawn at halftime, which was thought to be a tactical and not due to injury. Should be fit to take his place on the left flank. One of the best in the business when he's at his best Photo: James Gill
8. Ansu Fati - fit
De Zerbi has carefully managed the minutes for the Barcelona loanee. Was withdrawn at halftime in the Carabao loss at Chelsea as a precaution. Was back on the bench at Villa - perhaps with Marseille in mind - but came on for the second half and scored his first Albion goal during the 6-1 loss. Photo: James Gill