Roberto De Zerbi provides Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman injury update ahead of Chelsea

Brighton defender Joel Veltman was forced off with a calf injury during the Premier League loss at Man City

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi will hope key players Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman will be fit for next Saturday’s clash against Chelsea after injuries during the 3-1 loss at Manchester City.

Defender Veltman and midfielder Lallana were both forced off as Erling Haaland and Manchester City returned to form as the Premier League champions saw off Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.

The prolific Norwegian endured a rare off day as City slipped to their first defeat of the campaign at Liverpool last week but he responded impressively by scoring twice against the Seagulls.

Both his goals came in the first half, the second from the penalty spot, but it took a fine Kevin De Bruyne strike to wrap up victory after Brighton rallied with a Leandro Trossard reply.

Lallana was replaced by Tariq Lamptey at halftime and Veltman was forced off with a calf issue on 66 minutes and was replaced by Estupiñán.

Both will hope to recover in time to face Chelsea at the Amex Stadium this Saturday as previous boss Graham Potter returns with his new team.

On Lallana, De Zerbi, speaking on BBC Radio Sussex, said: “It is not really an injury but we had a problem with him during the week.”

"With Joel, yes, we will have to make some medical check to understand what will be the problem.”