Lewis Dunk, the captain, has a heavy schedule, which Roberto De Zerbi acknowledges he must carefully manage ahead of Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 first leg match at Roma.
Due to his substitution on the hour mark of last Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Fulham, Dunk, 32, may not be available to play against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico later this week.
Following the defeat at Craven Cottage, head coach De Zerbi stated, “I have to manage these players in the best way.” We have two games this week: one on Sunday against Nottingham Forest and the other on Thursday [the home leg vs Roma]. Lewis may be a member of an international squad. He is unable to play all 90 minutes in a game.
Positively, Tariq Lamptey, who is recovering from a thigh ailment, played 45 minutes at Fulham, as did Julio Enciso, who has missed nearly the entire season due to a knee injury. On Thursday, both might have significant roles in the Italian capital. “Enciso was in good physical condition to play,” De Zerbi continued. No more than forty-five minutes. And Lamptey too. The good news for Fulham is that no further players were lost today.
After the Seagulls’ defeat at Fulham put them to ninth place in the standings, De Zerbi needs to bolster his team’s confidence before one of the most significant games in Albion’s recent history.
I had the opinion that we could compete differently before the season began. Though it’s not relevant right now, I’m disappointed. It’s crucial to feel positive on Thursday. This game is historic. We are worthy of making it to the Europa League final [16]. We were a little club. It’s difficult to play at this level every day.
