Roberto De Zerbi has revealed why two key men missed Albion’s big night in Europe.

Lewis Dunk and Evan Ferguson both missed the 3-2 defeat by AEK Athens.

Dunk is a mainstay of the team and it appears Ferguson would have started had he been fit.

Both men were at the stadium, although Ferguson went home before the game kicked off.

Albion boss De Zerbi said: “Dunk couldn’t play because after the game with Manchester United he felt a muscular problem.

“This afternoon Evan had a temperature, and he was ill.

“I think Igor (Julio) played a great game, one of the best players on the pitch, and Ansu (Fati) the same.

“Ansu played very well. Ferguson has different characteristics.

“He is the best scorer in our squad and Dunk is the captain, he is the leader.

“He is important on the pitch and off the pitch.”

De Zerbi is expected to give an update on both players and James Milner, who went off injured, when he speaks to the media on Friday lunchtime as Albion prepare to host Bournemouth.