Chelsea vs Brighton in the Premier League from Stamford Bridge - Sunday, 2pm

Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari was a surprise absentee for their Premier League clash at Chelsea.

Ayari, who is out of contract next summer, is believed to have sustained an injury and was unavailable for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Ayari previously featured for Brighton in both legs of their Conference League play-off against Tromso and last Sunday’s 4-0 Premier League win against Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old's absence from the midfield was a blow for Brighton as their injury concerns mount.

The likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Georginio and Jack Hinshelwood are also sidelined.

Ayari's importance to Hurzeler's midfield also increased this summer as Carlos Baleba was sold to Manchester United for £70m and James Milner retired at the end of last season.

Brighton are in talks with Ayari over a new deal but the situation still remains uncertain.

Hurzeler on Ayari

Hurzeler was asked about Ayari's situation in the press conference ahead of Brighton's Premier League clash against Chelsea.

“No, I think that the fans won't have to be concerned," said Hurzeler.

"We are in an exchange with him. Yasin knows that the club gives him a big chance and he used it in a very impressive way.

"He's one of the hardest workers. He's one of the quickest learners.

“He has this intrinsic motivation to improve every day and that's something outstanding."

Ayari knows what he has at Brighton

Brighton have a reputation of developing young talent and selling for big profits.

Losing Ayari at this stage of the window would be a problem for Brighton as they juggle the demands of the Premier League and the Conference League, as well as the domestic cups.

Hurzeler added: "The players need to come into this environment here and say to themselves, ‘I want to get better today.

"I want to win this day and leave this training ground as a better player, as a better person’.

“And he did it since he since he worked with us, since day one. We know what we have in Yasin, Yasin knows what he has at this club

“So therefore, I'm quite convinced that we find good solutions.”