Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has played down Leandro Trossard's absence from their FA Cup win at Middlesbrough.

The 28-year-old, who's contract will expire this summer, was curiously omitted from Brighton's matchday squad that beat Middlesbrough 5-1 on Saturday in the Third Round of the FA Cup. Trossard has been linked with Tottenham and Chelsea.

De Zerbi also chose to bench the Belgian, for the first time this season, during their 4-0 win against Everton on Tuesday night, sparking talk that the winger could depart Falmer Stadium this January.

While he was absent for Brighton's game on Saturday De Zerbi claimed after the match that his omission from the squad was due to an injury.

He said: "Yesterday he didn't train with us. He had a problem with his calf."