Brighton need Caicedo to get into Europe, says manager Roberto De Zerbi

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi insists the club must keep wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo if they are to maintain their bid for a place in Europe.

The sixth-placed Seagulls have two possible routes to the continent after they knocked out holders Liverpool to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

De Zerbi has already seen attacker Leandro Trossard leave for Arsenal and Brighton have blocked the Gunners' attempt to prise Caicedo away.

The Ecuador midfielder missed the 2-1 win over Liverpool after publicly stating his desire to leave, but De Zerbi and Brighton are digging their heels in.

"It’s already difficult for me to be a coach – to be coach and chairman would be too difficult," said the Italian.

"Caicedo is a very good guy. I understand it when you are 21 and the chance of a big team in Europe. But I would like him to finish the season with us.

"(Chairman) Tony Bloom knows very well my opinion. We lost Trossard and if we also lose Caicedo it’s a problem for us if we want to fight for Europe.

"If we don’t lose Caicedo we are ready to fight."

De Zerbi said he was hopeful that Evan Ferguson, Brighton's 18-year-old Republic of Ireland international forward, had not suffered serious injury despite being seen on crutches following the game.

The Meath man was substituted following a heavy tackle from Fabinho in the 86th minute.

"We are sorry for him," De Zerbi told beIN Sports. "The injury, we don’t know yet, but we will see in the next days and we hope for him and for the club that it will not be so important an injury."

De Zerbi said he had no issue with the decision to book the Brazilian rather than issue a red card.

"'No, I think Fabinho is a quality player. It can happen on the pitch, these accidents."

Liverpool, back at the scene