Hurzeler on injuries, Verbruggen's coffees and Arsenal criticisms

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Summer signing Femi Azeez will not be available until after the international break, confirmed Hurzeler. The coaching staff will "work with him individually" before "integrating him back into the first team". If all goes to plan, he will "definitely be at his highest physical level" after the three-week break. Jaouen Hadjam is "able to play" despite picking up a knock, and Luka Vuskovic will "definitely be available" despite suffering with cramp during their midweek Carabao Cup fixture. The Brighton boss added: "Although we are missing a few players, we are still a very strong squad. We have a good togetherness on the pitch and we have players who will work a lot." On Lewis Dunk potentially making his 300th Premier League start this weekend: "That number is very impressive. He is always drives the high standards, so it is a pleasure to work with him as our captain. It's hard to understand from the outside just how much he wants to give back to Brighton, but his connection with this club is something which drives his whole life." Bart Verbruggen could also make his 100th Premier League appearance, which is credit to his "motivation, attitude and character" - despite being just 24 years of age - and goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar. When asked about the goalkeeper's tradition of getting a round of coffees in if he keeps a clean sheet, Hurzeler replied: "Yes, he did it after the Coventry City game. These rituals are very important because then everybody understands there will be a reward for getting a clean sheet. I've never drank coffee before, but since this started it has pushed me to drink it." He stands by calling for stricter rules around set-pieces and accusing Arsenal of time-wasting last campaign, but insists it is a new season. He added: "I will always share my opinion if I'm asked a question. I congratulated them for being deserved champions. They have started this season very impressively and they are maybe the best team in England, so it is our challenge to compete with them." The Seagulls will need to find "a good balance between keeping the stability and keeping control of the game in possession" this weekend, as the team that has scored the most goals (Brighton) come up against the team that has conceded the least goals (Arsenal). The "most important thing" will be keeping a clean sheet. It is "a joy to watch" Pascal Gross' performances at the moment: "I'm very pleased with how he is playing in possession and out of possession. It is nice to see how he is leading on and off the pitch. Hopefully we can bring him into the kind of positions where he can make the most impact." Hurzeler's had "no time" to reflect on his side's impressive start, having taken seven points from a possible 12. Instead, his focus is on "reflecting on why we are in the situation and what things gave us this good foundation". In his opinion, the answer to that is: "The hard work, the non-negotiables, the small margins." Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Brighton v Arsenal from 15:00 BST on Saturday Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news Got a question about Brighton? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts [BBC]