Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that Moises Caicedo’s future at Brighton remains uncertain amid interest from Chelsea.

“If Moises leaves, we will find another important player. And if Moises stays, I will be happy for us, for the team, for the club,” De Zerbi said.

“But it’s not my problem now, if Moises leaves, we will bring another player in. We are Brighton, and under our policy there is the possibility to lose some players at the end of the season. It was the same for [Alexis] Mac Allister and [Levi] Colwill.”

Meanwhile, Brighton have told Chelsea that Caicedo will start the new Premier League season with them this weekend.

“Moises had a slight hamstring injury late in training and was pulled out for that reason,” Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said on Sunday.

“With a Premier League season just a week away it makes no sense to risk him today.

“We’re looking forward to Moises starting the season with us, he’s a Brighton player under a long-term contract.

“He’s probably one of the most exciting young midfield players in the world at the moment and we’re delighted to have him.”