The 24-year-old saw a transfer request rejected by the Seagulls earlier this month after Sunderland failed with a bid of around £2million for the former Chelsea youngster.
And Brighton boss Oscar Garcia revealed on Saturday that Bridcutt was not in the right frame of mind to feature against the Rams.
Oscar Garcia: “He was available for selection but he spoke with Nathan (Jones, Brighton assistant manager) and he said that maybe he would not be focused on the game 100 per cent.
“A lot of things are happening around him and he was honest and for this he didn’t play.”
Poyet gave a strong hint that the deal was still on when he said that he was looking for domestic signings, as much as he was keen on overseas recruits.
Gus Poyet: “We are looking everywhere. England is part of everywhere and I think the possibility of bringing in a player that is English or British and a foreigner, is exactly the same.
“We try to make sure that we bring in players that have already played in England first, if it is a foreigner.”