The 25-year-old had started 59 of the previous 60 Premier League games for Albion, nailing down the number one spot and earning a call-up the Spanish national squad.
However, De Zerbi decided to hand the gloves to Jason Steele for his first Premier League start this season.
The 32-year-old had been Brighton’ reliable cup goalkeeper for the past three seasons, but may now be given a chance as the first-choice keeper, after De Zerbi claimed he was more suited to the Italian’s style of play.
De Zerbi said: “You have to be honest and clear and Jason now is playing better than Robert.
“Robert is playing well but Jason was fantastic in build-up, for example, in my style.Maybe he is closer than Roberto to my style. But I think Robert can work to arrive at the same level.
“Okay, there are different characteristics, I understand, but Robert is a good guy and I think he will want to improve in this aspect.”
This got us thinking about famous goalkeeping pairs that had represented Premier League clubs down the years.
Here is a selection of some of the best rivalries for the number one jersey….
5. Chelsea - Kepa Arrizabalaga/Edouard Mendy (2020-present day)
When Chelsea spent a world record fee for Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018, few would have expected him to be replaced for many, many years. However, his unreliable form lead the club to look for a replacement two years later, signing Edouard Mendy from Rennes. The Senegal international would become Chelsea number one for their Champions League triumph, but since then the duo have been interchanged regularly for league and cup matches. Their most infamous interaction was when Thomas Tuchel replaced Mendy with Kepa for the 2021 Super Cup and 2022 EFL Cup final penalty shootouts - to varying success. Photo: Shaun Botterill
6. Manchester United - Dean Henderson/ David de Gea (2021/2022)
Following a successful season on loan at Sheffield United, many tipped Dean Henderson to challenge an out-of-form David De Gea for the number one jersey at Old Trafford. Alas, the Spaniard held down his place, in what was a forgettable season for the club. Photo: Matthew Peters
7. Manchester City - Claudio Bravo/Ederson (2017/2018)
Many City fans questioned Pep Guardiola's decision to axe two-time Golden Glove winner Joe Hart for the shaky Claudio Bravo in the 2016/2017 season. However, the Chilean would actually become the perfect sidekick to new signing Ederson for the 2017/2018 season - when City would win the league by a record-breaking 100 point. Guardiola's side would also win the EFL Cup - thanks in no small part to Bravo - who played a hand in two penalty shootout wins on the way to the final. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
8. Chelsea - Petr Cech/Thibaut Courtois (2014/2015)
It is very rare for a manager to have two world-class goalkeepers at his disposal, but that is exactly what José Mourinho was blessed with when managing Chelsea in 2014/2015. Three-time Premier League and one-time Champions League winner Cech played the supporting role and elder statesmen to the up-and-coming Courtois, but both put in a number of exceptional performances to help the Blues win a Premier League title and EFL Cup. Photo: Paul Gilham