HUGE BLOW: Five Brighton first-team players are in doubt for the match against Bournemouth on Sunday.

On Sunday, September 24, Brighton & Hove Albion may be missing five members of its starting lineup when they travel to Bournemouth.

Just three days after suffering a discouraging 3-2 loss at home to AEK Athens in their inaugural Europa League match, the Seagulls must make a quick trip down the south coast for their next Premier League match.

Lewis Dunk, the captain of Roberto De Zerbi, missed the loss to the Greek champions since the defender hurt his muscle after Manchester United’s 3-1 victory.

In his pre-game press conference, Albion’s manager acknowledged that it was doubtful Dunk would return in time for Sunday’s encounter. Following Thursday’s encounter, De Zerbi added that James Milner and Pascal Gross were dealing with injury problems.

“I don’t know the situation of James [Milner, Lewis Dunk, and Pascal Gross,” the Italian coach admitted. Pascal has an issue with music. We must evaluate the situation and choose the best course of action.

Jakub Moder and Julio Enciso will also continue to miss games for Brighton as they work their way back from serious knee injuries.

In an effort to build on their promising start to the domestic campaign, Albion is anticipated to make a number of changes for their match on Sunday.

In their first five league games, the Sussex team has won four of them, including a stunning 3-1 triumph over Erik ten Hag’s team in their most recent contest.

Although it begins less than 72 hours after the final whistle at the Amex Stadium, Brighton’s match against the Cherries on Sunday will mark their first ever appearance following a European match.

Under new manager Andoni Iraola, their opponents on Sunday have yet to record a league victory.

The Cherries invested almost £110 million on new players like Tyler Adams and Justin Kluivert after battling against the odds under Gary O’Neil the season before, but they have only managed two draws and three losses so far this year.

Iraola will have been happy with several aspects of his team’s tenacious performance against Chelsea on Sunday, in which they earned a point in a 0-0 draw, despite the dismal run.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Brighton takes on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.