Albion are hopeful of having captain Dean Hammond back for tomorrow's trip to Oldham.

Hammond is in the squad travelling up to Lancashire. His return for the clash at Boundary Park hinges on a training session at Stoke today.

The influential midfielder missed the Seagulls' exits from the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Mansfield and Swansea with a knee strain.

Meanwhile, Albion have suffered another injury blow. A scan has revealed Joel Lynch tore a hamstring at Swansea, which is expected to sideline him for four weeks.