Brighton vs Crawley: Evan Ferguson, Pervis Estupiñan could play

Brighton’s line-up for Tuesday night could see players who have not featured as much in pre-season in the first taste of knockout football this season.

He also hinted that players like Pervis Estupiñan could be in line to appear as he continues his journey back from injury and eyes a return to league action.

Huerzeler said he had been taking notes from the Under-21s narrow cup defeat at Broadfield and would be taking the game and the chance to win a trophy “very seriously”.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup second round, he said: “We have to have a look and see who is ready to play this game.

“There will be new players on the pitch, players who didn’t play so much in pre-season or the last two games.

“We have to be in communication with the medical team. At the end we always try to be very open to each other and try and figure out what is best for the player and get him into the shape he needs to play a Premier League game as quick as possible.

Pervis Estupinan (Image: Richard Parkes)

“But on top of that we take this game very seriously. First of all, it’s a chance to win a cup and, secondly, it’s a very good opponent.

“I saw them [Crawley] against the Under-21s. They have a great idea of playing and always try to build up from the back.

“I love the ideas from their coach [Scott Lindsey]. It’s very enjoyable to see how their team play. That’s why we know it’s a challenge and we try to go for it.”

Estupiñan returned to training just before Albion’s opening day win at Everton having not played since April.

The Ecuadorian missed the Copa America after season-ending ankle surgery.

Huerzeler also spoke about Evan Ferguson ahead of the game, adding that Albion "have to be very careful" with him even if he wants to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

The manager praised his "great abilities" after his recent return to training.

Huerzeler said he would be making squad rotations for the Crawley game but did not say who was in line to play in the midweek fixture.

Starting players could be rested ahead of a stern test against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

Evan Ferguson (Image: Richard Parkes)

Huerzeler added that the club would “always try to improve young players”, pointing towards the success of Jack Hinshelwood and Evan Ferguson as prime examples of the academy’s track record of producing first-team talent.

Tuesday’s game could also see more new signings from this summer play – many of whom are yet to feature significantly for Albion.

Record signing Georginio Rutter made a brief cameo against Manchester United, coming off the bench late in the win on Saturday.

Huerzeler said that he would “try to integrate new players as quick as possible” but that it was important to give them time to adapt to the Premier League.

Brajan Gruda is also yet to feature while Malick Yalcouyé played for Albion in the Under-21s fixture against Crawley.

The young side narrowly fell to Crawley in Bristol Street Motors Trophy action at Broadfield last week.

Cam Peupion and Josh Duffus got on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw in regular time but Albion lost 4-3 on penalties in the group stage fixture.

The Carabao Cup second round in the first cup game of Huerzeler’s tenure and the first Sussex derby since 1992.

Crawley go into Tuesday's game having won four of their last five games in all competitions in a strong start after League Two promotion last season.

They suffered their first loss of the League One season on Saturday away at Wigan.