Brighton boss De Zerbi puts Baleba and Moder on notice

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has put Carlos Baleba and Jakub Moder on notice.

De Zerbi needs to find a replacement for Billy Gilmour, with the midfield schemer suspended for the next three games.

The manager said: We have lost Jack Hinshelwood, who could play in a midfield position.

At this moment we are going to play with one of Jakub Moder or Carlos Baleba and I am happy because they need to play.

My expectations for them are big and they have to show they are good enough to stay and to play in the first XI.

I love all my players and I don't have a preference or one yes and one no.

But I have to analyse the games, the performances, the training and then I decide the first XI, game by game."

De Zerbi admits Gilmour is Brighton's sole genuine playmaker.

He added: "I think Carlos Baleba has those qualities but he is very young. He is new in Brighton.

Okay, he arrived last summer but he didn't play so many games.

But I believe in Carlos. I think Carlos can become one of the best players in the Premier League, for sure.

I believe in Jakub Moder. He is closer to Pascal Gross and Carlos can be the replacement for Bill but I have not decided yet the first XI for the next game at Wolves."