Evan Ferguson and Lewis Dunk miss Brighton's Europa League tie through injury

Lewis Dunk and Evan Ferguson have missed Brighton’s Europa League opener against AEK Athens due to injury.

Dunk has been an ever-present for Brighton this season but is absent for Thursday night’s clash due to a groin injury.

Ferguson, meanwhile, has made a superb start to the campaign with four goals in five appearances but failed to make Brighton’s first Europa League matchday squad due to a minor injury.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi claims both Dunk and Ferguson will be available for his side’s Premier League match at home to Bournemouth on Sunday.

‘Unfortunately they can’t play but we have a good squad and we can play with other players, maybe these players have different technical characteristics, different qualities, but in terms of level they are very close,’ De Zerbi said.

Asked if Dunk and Ferguson are injured, De Zerbi said: ‘Yes, injury, but they will play Sunday.’

Speaking about Brighton’s first ever European game, De Zerbi said: Of course it’s a historic day for us but we are ready to play, to compete and we want to win.

‘We have only one style of play. It’s a challenge to show our style in European competition.

‘I think it’s the right way if you want to progress to follow our style.’

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