De Zerbi on Adingra, Ferguson and Fati

Roberto de Zerbi has spoken to the media before Brighton’s match against Sheffield United on Sunday.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• Ahead of his return to the touchline, De Zerbi said: “I’m feeling not so good, but enough to work and be back in my place.”

• De Zerbi confirmed Simon Adingra and Igor Julio have returned for selection.

• De Zerbi gave further updates on his squad: “Joao [Pedro] has started working with the medical staff but I don’t know how much time he needs. Jack Hinshelwood is longer than Joao, it’s bad news for him and for us because Jack could play full-back or as a midfielder. We will miss him.”

• De Zerbi spoke about the final months of the season: “I’m positive, I think we’re going in the right direction and we have the FA Cup, the Europa League. In the Premier League we’ve lost too many points but we have a chance to recover points and recover our position.”

• When asked if winning the Africa Cup Of Nations will affect Simon Adingra, De Zerbi said: “I think his confidence can change because sometimes I think he’s too shy but he’s so smart and such a good guy. The team and the staff love him and we feel better if he plays as the winger.”

• On Evan Ferguson, De Zerbi said: “Evan played very well against Crystal Palace. He’s very young and the young players need time. We have to accept some mistakes but we have big confidence and trust in him.”

• De Zerbi says Ansu Fati still isn’t ready to start: “He’s improving his physical condition and I think he has to push more. He has to become stronger because he has to respect his qualities and talent.”

Listen to full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live