BRIGHTON boss Roberto de Zerbi confirmed he would be without striker Danny Welbeck and defender Adam Webster for their Boxing Day trip to Saints.

The duo have both been ruled out from the encounter due to injuries.

“They aren’t able to play,” De Zerbi said, when speaking about the pair.  

“I don’t know, Welbeck maybe against Arsenal (on New Year’s Eve) but I’m not sure.

“Webster, I think no – for Southampton 100 per cent and maybe also for the next game.”

Brighton did not include goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a member of Spain’s World Cup cohort, in their squad for Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Charlton – where they exited the competition on penalties.

But Sanchez will be available for the Boxing Day clash. De Zerbi said: “He’s okay, he came home in a very good way and he is ready to play – but Jason Steele played well (against Charlton) and I’m really happy for him.”

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