Injuries are starting to build-up for De Zerbi as Solly March and Danny Welbeck are the latest to add to the walking wounded ahead of a hectic fixture schedule.
“I think we can lose Solly March for a long time and Welbeck, I don't know, it's a muscular problem,” De Zerbi said. "We are losing too many players. I think we are not ready to compete in this competition, and we are adapting."
Brighton have a history of selling their top talents in recent seasons. It’s certainly a model that has helped them progress financially and enabled them compete in the Premier League – but this season in-particular it seems to have slowed down the team-building process as they juggle the Premier League with the Europa League.
Here we take a look at Albion’s brilliant starting XI IF they had not sold their top talents in recent seasons...
1.
Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has seen a number of his star players exit Photo: OLI SCARFF
2. Rob Sanchez - GK
The Spain international moved to Chelsea last summer for around £25m. Fell out of favour with De Zerbi last term and some would argue that Jason Steele has proved more reliable between the sticks. Sanchez however remains a talented goalkeeper with huge potential. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
3. Ben White - RB
The classy defender had one impressive season in the PL with Brighton and then moved to Arsenal for £50m in 2021. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
4. Lewis Dunk - CB
Quite amazing that one of the PL giants hasn't made a serious move for the Albion skipper in the past few seasons. Remains Brighton's most important player and gets into any Albion dream XI. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall