Brighton vs Fulham: Roberto De Zerbi makes multiple surprise omissions; £9m star makes long-awaited return

Albion have, however, been boosted by the return of teenage striker Evan Ferguson, flying full-back Tariq Lamptey and experienced defender Joel Veltman.

The trio, who all start this afternoon (Saturday, March 2), were forced to sit out of the 1-0 FA Cup fifth round loss at Wolves on Wednesday and their return is boost for Roberto De Zerbi’s injury-hit squad.

Also in the starting XL is Julio Enciso, who makes his first start since suffering a serious knee injury at Wolves last August.

Two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period followed as the 20-year-old battled back to full-fitness.

Adam Lallana and Carlos Baleba have been given rare starts, as Roberto De Zerbi makes seven changes to his team.

The Seagulls, who are seventh in the Premier League, are however still without Joao Pedro (thigh), James Milner (thigh), Solly March (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (back), Jack Hinshelwood (foot) and Billy Gilmour (suspended).

With that in mind, it comes as a surprise to see Igor Julio, Pascal Gross, Danny Welbeck, Simon Adingra, Ansu Fati and Facundo Buonanotte all on the substitutes’ bench.

Jason Steele keeps his place in goal despite his error at Wolves.

De Zerbi said in his pre-match press conference that he would be waiting until Sunday morning before preparing for Albion’s huge trip to Roma, for the first leg of the Europa League round-of-16 on Thursday (March 7).

The Italian added: “This is part of football and we move on and we play better to win the game tomorrow. We want to keep this level on the table.

“Tomorrow the focus is to win the game and we have to play with fresh players. I will change but not for Roma. We start to prepare for Roma on Sunday morning.”

Brighton: Jason Steele, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, Carlos Baleba, Pervis Estupinan, Julio Enciso, Adam Lallana, Evan Ferguson

Subs: Bart Verbruggen, Igor Julio, Pascal Gross, Jakub Moder, Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco, Simon Adingra, Ansu Fati, Facundo Buonanotte