Keep news | Lopetegui provides squad update ahead of visit to Brighton & Hove Albion

Lopetegui also reiterated the importance of Niclas Füllkrug in bringing experience and depth to the squad, with the Germany international continuing to work hard to prove he is ready to make his first Premier League start.

“It’s true that this morning we had a little problem with a player,” the boss said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “We will have to check and assess the question tonight whether he starts or not, but the squad will be very similar and there could be a change.

“I think (Niclas) Füllkrug had an injury for three months, which was unfortunate for him and for us, but he has regained his rhythm and is ready to be part of the demanding Premier League. He is getting better steps for steps and I assure you that he will become a very important and experienced player for us and the team will need him.

“Sometimes people only focus on the (starting) line-up, but in today’s football the players on the bench sometimes have the same, if not more, importance. They are the ones who can change a game and are an important part of the squad.”