Sussex

Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Brighton travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 BST kick-off).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• De Zerbi confirmed forward Joao Pedro has picked up an ankle injury and is unsure if he will feature again this season. However, defender Tariq Lamptey could return to the bench.

• On Pedro's injury: "I am sad for that because Joao is important for us, especially in this moment when Julio Enciso and Ansu Fati are not at the top of their level of condition."

• On how long before Enciso is back to his best: "He has to stay focused and start next pre-season at his best. He has to accept this moment, playing with team-mates and not alone on the pitch. Because he is younger and he didn't play so many games, he has motivation that is higher than a normal player."

• On the team's feelings despite not qualifying for Europe: "We have to be happy or sad depending on the attitude we showed. I think we have worked well and we gave our best - and then we have to accept the result. We are disappointed for the past three months because I think we couldn't compete with our quality, our possibility - but for the rest, we have to proud of this season."

• De Zerbi said Pascal Gross, who won two club awards this week, has become "a great, great player and a top player for us" and that "he can play in every big team because he is smart, he is a very good player and his passion and attitude is incredible".

• He added: "I hope he can stay with us. I work to help the players to become better. If Pascal has an offer then we can understand. I want him to stay with us, but his level now is higher than two or three season ago."

• De Zerbi said he feels St James' Park is "the best stadium in the Premier League" and that "last season is still in my head because of the incredible atmosphere".

• He added: "Newcastle and Brighton - we have paid a big, big price [with injuries]. Maybe I speak for myself, but maybe we weren't ready to compete in three or four competitions. We suffered a lot of injuries, and Newcastle did as well. [Newcastle] can fight for the Champions League. Their level is higher than the position they are in at the minute."

Follow all Friday's Premier League news conferences

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Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood spoke to BBC Radio Sussex after winning the club's young player of the season award: "I'm very grateful for everyone who voted for this award. I can't thank the fans, players and especially the gaffer enough for receiving this award.

"From the age of eight it's definitely something that would have been in the back of my mind as a dream, it's not something I expected to achieve. I'm so grateful to everyone who's helped me to get to this point.

"Opportunities don't get given out that often so you have to take them by the scruff of the neck and make the most out of it. I'm so lucky because in this team there's so many young players who could have won this award and I just feel very lucky and grateful to have received it.

"I'm working my socks off every day to get back [from injury] and pre-season can't come quick enough. I'm counting down the days until it comes and I can't wait to pull on that shirt and play again."

Arsenal are looking at Brighton's English goalkeeper Jason Steele as they look for a replacement for 25-year-old England international Aaron Ramsdale, who is expected to leave the Gunners. (Standard), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour spoke to BBC Radio Sussex at the club's player of the year awards about his second season on the south coast: "We've had a really good season. We've had a lot of injuries which has played a big part, people have had to step up and be counted.

"Europe was an amazing adventure and we want to do that again. There's so many positives from this season

"The fans have been everywhere, it's a season they're probably going to remember for life. We want to return the favour by winning games, three games left and we want to finish strong for them.

"I've enjoyed this season a lot, I've played with more confidence. I've learnt a lot about myself, so for me it's been a real joy to put on a Brighton shirt every week and know I'm in the starting eleven to give my best.

"We know if we win these three games it could be a totally different end to the season."

On the Euros in the summer, Gilmour added: "I'm really excited, It's going to be a special moment out in Germany. To say you've played in the opening game against Germany would be a very special thing."

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Pascal Gross spoke to BBC Radio Sussex after being named as Brighton's player of the year: "It's massive for me because it's all about the fans, people who come to the stadium. I think we have a special connection and I'm proud walking out to stadiums in Europe and seeing our sections full with fans who are proud. That gives me satisfaction.

"If you're an athlete and you keep pushing and trying your best every day, it means a lot when your fellow professionals award you. That means a lot to me, it's something really special.

"I have a beautiful family and I can do what I love, playing football. I can play it at the highest level at the moment and I'm enjoying it every day when I come to training.

"With our coach, we're very lucky to have him, everyone knows that. I'm learning every day and I want to learn. I think you need to be open minded, It doesn't matter how young or old you are."

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It was strange to see so many empty seats dotted around Amex Stadium for the victory over Aston Villa last Sunday - but it was a reminder nothing stands still in football.

If someone had asked Brighton fans a decade ago if they would still be up for a home game against a Champions League challenger in a season where they have experienced European football for the first time, despite a run of poor form, I suspect they would all have said yes.

But the reality is different.

Brighton fans recognise the giant strides that have been made under the stewardship of owner Tony Bloom. But that does not mean they judge everything through the prism of the club nearly going bust.

For some fans, the current era is all the know. They expect the team to be competitive in the top flight.

The tricky bit for Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber is managing the expectations.

Ask any great sportsman and they will tell you getting to the top (or top six in this case) is exceptionally difficult.

Staying there is even harder.

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Newcastle and Brighton in the Premier League.

• Having failed to either win or score in their first four Premier League home games against Brighton, Newcastle have won 2-1 and 4-1 in their last two matches against the Seagulls at St James’ Park.

• Brighton are looking to complete the league double over Newcastle for the third time - previously doing so in 2020-21 and 1978-79.

• Newcastle have scored in all 18 of their Premier League home games so far this season. They most recently scored in 100% of their home league games in a single campaign in 1982-83 and have not done so in the top-flight since 1958-59.

• Since beating Sheffield United 5-0 in February, Brighton have scored just five goals in their past 10 Premier League games. It is their lowest return in a 10-game spell since netting four times in 10 games between February and April 2022.

• Anthony Gordon has been involved in more home goals than any other Newcastle player in the Premier League this season (16 – nine goals, seven assists). It is the most by a player at St James’ Park in a single top-flight campaign since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 (18 – 15 goals, three assists).

• Joao Pedro has scored nine league goals this season - he could be the fourth different player to net double figures in a single Premier League campaign for Brighton after Glenn Murray (twice), Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister.