Premier League football returns this weekend after a three week international break, and for Brighton fans, it could not have come sooner.

Currently sitting 3rd in the Premier League table, and coming off the back of statement victories against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal in the league, the extended international break couldn't have come at a worse time to break Brighton's form that was building, however the Sussex side will be looking to regain it with a tough away fixture, some 340 miles each way for the squad and fans to travel.

Fabian Hurzeler's press conference has given some key talking points ahead of the game, so let's dive into what was discussed!

Despite popular fan belief that this international break has disrupted the form of the Albion, Fabian Hurzeler believes that it makes no difference on his approach to the next game.

He revealed that he has had conversations with Brighton owner Tony Bloom and they agreed that going into each game is "starting from point zero". While the results so far have been exceptional, earning Brighton three Premier League awards, the Brighton manager insists that it is a "completely different approach" for each game, especially against a side like Sunderland, giving his praises to them and their threats.

Many fans will be aware of Brighton's grueling schedule over the coming month, with the Seagulls playing seven games in 22 days, including away games in the UEFA Conference League in Czechia and Spain, two trips away to Manchester City and a trip away to Liverpool, while also hosting the fierce game against rivals Crystal Palace.

Fabian Hurzeler is not worried about the schedule however, as he sees it as a "great opportunity" to be able to test out his squad depth, try different tactical approaches and give chances to players who don't often get them. Hurzeler also sees this as a key progression for the club, as he hints at Brighton looking to fight strongly in more than one competition this season.

When discussing injuries and the tough schedule ahead, Georginio Rutter's name came up, with the French attacker having been injured for the majority of the season so far, and the talk is positive around his status.

Hurzeler proclaimed that he had "the best training this week" since Rutter had arrived, possibly hinting at the former Leeds player making an appearance in the near future.

Regarding other injury news, Brighton were very fortunate to escape any of their players receiving serious injury. Yasin Ayari missed the last two Sweden games due to illness but is 100% fit for the Sunderland fixture, whilst Lewis Dunk is also fit to start too, after a neck injury ruled him out against Arsenal. 

Jack Hinshelwood will make a return to the squad for the first time since the 4-0 victory in Brighton's first game of the season against Aston Villa, where he scored twice in a minute, which will give a huge boost to Brighton's options across the squad, given his versatile ability.

Femi Azeez's condition remains unknown, whereas Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Mats Weiffer remain injured, however all three are "getting closer" to returning to training according to Hurzeler.

Overall, it will be a tough game for Hurzeler's side. It's been a well discussed topic recently that there are no more easy away games in the Premier League, and the Stadium of Light may be one of the worst places for any team to visit and try to get a result from.

Still, Brighton remain positive in their approach, resetting their mindset, not getting carried away and hoping to replicate something similar to last year's result, where the Seagulls won 1-0 with a stroke of luck, with Yankuba Minteh scoring from a tight angle. If Fabian Hurzeler can get a good performance from his men today, then anything is possible for the Albion this season.