Enzo Maresca has insisted Gianluigi Donnarumma is not undroppable even if he still will be the first player the Manchester City manager selects this weekend.

The Italian goalkeeper has been under intense scrutiny following several errors in the early stages of the season.

And speculation about his position intensified following a superb display by reserve 'keeper Geronimo Rulli in City's midweek League Cup win over Brighton.

Despite the growing pressure, Maresca confirmed that Donnarumma will return to the starting lineup when Premier League leaders Manchester City host third-placed Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday.

Clarifying his stance during Friday's pre-match press conference, the City boss emphasized that while no player is truly undroppable, the Italian keeper remains his undisputed primary pick for now, describing his selection process as "Gigio plus 10."

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler framed the league clash as an opportunity for revenge following his side's midweek League Cup exit, where Rulli saved two penalties in a shootout after a 2-2 draw.

Dismissing any focus on retribution, Maresca acknowledged Brighton's aggressive, attacking style of play, noting that City will remain focused solely on securing three points against a high-scoring opponent.

Hurzeler also claimed City, who are appealing after being found guilty last month on over 100 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules, had been lucky in the League Cup tie.

Maresca, however, played down those comments by saying: "This is what he said. Every manager can say something different. It depends on what you see with your eyes.

"But I respect what he said. We try to prepare for the game knowing what they are going to do. We try to prepare for the game in the best way we can and continue if we can to win games."