De Zerbi claims the former Arsenal player is fit to face his former club.
Danny Welbeck is set to make his comeback against his former club when Brighton and Hove Albion take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow (Sunday, December 17).
The Seagulls will look to carry the momentum from their Europa League success into their Premier League clash with the Gunners.
The Seagulls advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League after defeating Marseille on Thursday (14 December) and should be upbeat for their 2pm kick-off.
Welbeck played five seasons for Arsenal from 2014 to 2019, and he is finally back in the matchday squad after a two-month hamstring injury that has kept him out since Saturday, October 21.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi does not intend to start the 33-year-old, but he welcomes another attacking option in the squad.
Welbeck‘s only goal this season came against another of his former clubs, Manchester United.
“Welbeck can be available to come off the bench and play one part of the game,” De Zerbi said.
“There are no new injuries. The players who competed in the Europa League are in good spirits right now, and I believe we will be fine.
“I don’t know the first XI but we have to recover mental energies, physical energies, and then in the morning I will decide the first XI.”
Jakub Moder, a summer signing who did not make the European squad, could provide more fresh legs off the bench.
Brighton will look to Joao Pedro for motivation after he scored his 11th goal of the season in a late winner against Marseille.
Billy Gilmour, the Brazilian’s teammate, is full of praise for him and wants to see him continue his hot streak against Mikel Arteta‘s title-chasers.
“Joao Pedro is on fire, especially in the Europa League,” Gilmour said on the club’s official website.
“It was incredible to see Joao score that goal. He has occasionally dug us out of a hole. He’s a top goal scorer and a fantastic player for us. Let’s hope he’ll be able to add more.
“We’re all excited about Europe, but we also have a big game at the weekend, and we want to carry this level of performance into league games.” Go to Arsenal and try to win there.”
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