Pascal Gross is pushing to be part of Albion’s first ever European away trip.

But the Seagulls will take no risks with their influential German as they take stock after today’s game at Aston Villa.

The Seagulls visit traditionally one of their unhappiest hunting grounds in the Premier League (12.30pm) amid a hectic period of the season.

Gross, James Milner and Adam Lallana are all ruled out but Evan Ferguson is available after illness.

Thoughts will then quickly turn to the Europa League game at Marseille on Thursday.

Roberto De Zerbi offered hope Gross could be part of that as he spoke to the media yesterday.

The Albion head coach said: “He started yesterday to work, not with the group but alone with the physio. We will see.

“I don’t want to risk, don’t want to lose for a long time – not only Pascal but speaking in general. In this moment we can’t take a risk.

“But you know Pascal is a strong guy and he would like to play, I think.

“He will push to play in the first XI and I will speak with the medical staff and we try to take the best decision.

“The season will be long and we need Pascal for other games.”

Lewis Dunk returns today after being rested at Chelsea on Wednesday.

Adam Wester, Billy Gilmour, Joel Veltman and Solly March appear to be strong candidates to start at Villa and De Zerbi would seem to face a decision between Ferguson and Danny Welbeck to lead the attack.