Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton possibly needed to sign midfielders in January

The 19-year-old left-back Valentin Barco was the only first-team addition before Thursday's deadline, joining for a reported £7.8million from Boca Juniors in Argentina.

De Zerbi has spoken openly about his squad being stretched this campaign as the club has navigated a first-ever season in Europe.

Brighton have rarely fielded a settled lineup, with injuries and a crowded schedule meaning the manager has frequently rotated his side between Premier League and Europa League fixtures.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the club's business he replied: "I don't know. We will see in the next games. It is not my business, the transfer market.

"My focus is on the pitch, we will see in the future.

"I think we are two less two players in the midfield.

"I spoke with the club but they decided a different way.

"We have (Jakub) Moder, we have (Carlos) Baleba, we have Jack Hinshelwood, who can play in a midfield position.

"We move on anyway."

The Italian will be without James Milner for his team's trip to face rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, the latest addition to a growing injury list.

Milner was taken off with a hamstring injury during the first half of Brighton's 4-0 defeat away at Luton on Tuesday, which De Zerbi said was his team's worst display of the season.

However, Ansu Fati is in contention to return having missed the last two months.

The on-loan Barcelona winger has scored four goals in 14 appearances since arriving on a year-long deal in the summer.

"I don't know how much time he can play," said De Zerbi.

"Tomorrow morning we can speak with the staff and make the right decision."

Brighton have won just three of their last 16 league games following the defeat at Kenilworth Road.

Despite indifferent league form they have performed well in Europe and in the FA Cup, winning through to the fifth round with a 5-2 win against Sheffield United in January.

They will find out their opponent for the last-16 of the Europa League when the draw is made later in February.

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