The injury news Brighton fans didn't want to hear as four to miss Chelsea opener

The main blow for Albion head coach Graham Potter will be the likely absence of influential midfielder Davy Propper, who has been struggling with an Achilles problem.

The Dutch international has not featured in pre-season and Monday night's clash against Frank Lampard's big-spenders is likely to be too soon for the 28-year-old.

"That might be a bit too much to ask at this stage," said Potter when asked if Propper is ready for 90 minutes against Chelsea.

"I need to double check but he hasn't really played that much. So we feel like that would be a bit of a risk.

"We have got a few days to train and we can make a decision in terms of Davy's fitness closer to the game against Chelsea."

The other casualties are back-up goalkeeper Christian Walton, who injured his ankle after landing awkwardly in a pre-season match against Chelsea.

The 24-year-old Cornish stopper is expected to be out for the next few weeks at least but no time frame has been given for his return to full fitness.

Brighton are however well covered in that department with No 1 Maty Ryan fit and raring to go, and Jason Steele and Robert Sanchez both capable understudies between the sticks if required.

Striker Florin Andone remains sdielined having suffered a serious knee injury while on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray last season.

Andone, 27, will return to the squad and work to regain full fitness. Potter however feels the Romanian international will not be available until at least January.

Colombian winger Jose Izquierdo is the fourth player missing. The 28-year-old is slowly and carefully working his way to fitness having not played for more than a year with a serious knee problem.

Chelsea's new recruits Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell are both sidelined through injury.

The Amex Stadium trip may come too soon for Brazil defender Silva, but Germany team-mates Timo Werner and Kai Havertz should both feature.