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...
9. Alexis Mac Allister - CM
The World Cup winner also moved on this summer as he joined Liverpool for an initial fee of £35m. Brighton have struggled to replace that Caicedo-Mac Allister link... As any team would! Photo: Jan Kruger
10. Leo Trossard - RW
The Belgium international joined Arsenal for around £28m last January. A classy operator who can play multiple attacking roles. Not always a regular starter for the Gunners but contributes well. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
11. Kaoru Mitoma - LW
What a player and one Brighton as yet have not sold. Signed a new four-year deal last week and will hopefully be at the Amex for some time. Barcelona, Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Man United are all said to be huge admirers of the Japan international attacker. Photo: Naomi Baker
12. Evan Ferguson - CF
The young striker is tipped as the next big money departure and completes our dream XI. Hopefully Brighton can keep this young talent for the next few seasons at least. Photo: OLI SCARFF