Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on Friday Cristian Romero will miss the rest of Tottenham's battle for Premier League survival, but remains optimistic that just one win can transform his side's fortunes.
Romero suffered a knee injury, that could also endanger his place in Argentina's World Cup squad, during last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Sunderland in De Zerbi's first match in charge.
"I am really sorry for him and his injury," said De Zerbi.
"Romero first of all loves Tottenham and the people have to know he is suffering for this injury and because he cannot play any more for us this season."
Without a win in 14 league games, Spurs are two points adrift of safety with six matches of the campaign to go.
But victory against De Zerbi's former club Brighton on Saturday would propel Tottenham out of the bottom three for at least 48 hours.
"I think it is crucial to win a game not just for the table. Of course one part of the table for sure, but we have to feel again what is nice to win a game and what it can do," he added.
"I have no doubts about the quality of the players."
In a bid to build team chemistry, De Zerbi took his players out to dinner this week in London's Mayfair.
The Italian is happy to pick up the bill for more dinners in the coming weeks if he is rewarded with results on the field.
"The food was amazing and if we win, I am ready to pay every week for one dinner," said the former Marseille coach.
"I am positive, I am ready to fight and I believe to keep Premier League (status). I believe in my words that I said last week. The focus is to win one game."
Rodrigo Bentancur could make his return from a three-month injury layoff against the Seagulls.
However, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains out after surgery on a hernia.
