Steve Coppell expects Graham Barrett to be available for Saturday's trip to Gillingham despite an injury scare.

The on-loan Arsenal striker dropped out of training yesterday with a hip injury and sat out today's session as a precaution.

Boss Steve Coppell admitted the damage to the Republic of Ireland under 21 international is "a bit worrying" but is hopeful it will have cleared up in time for the weekend clash at the Seagulls' former temporary home.

Bobby Zamora and Gary Hart are both banned for Saturday's trip to Gillingham, so Coppell needs the on-loan Arsenal striker to partner fellow loan signing Tony Rougier from Reading.

Barrett, who set up substitute Rougier's debut winner against Millwall last Saturday, has gone 16 games without a goal.

Coppell said: "I still maintain any striker is going to judged by his goalscoring record and if you've got your one in three or one in two ratio then you are a goalscoring striker.

"I don't think Graham had a shot on Saturday, but he made the goal with a nice little toe-poke. He played a full role and if he can just now add strikes and goals then he is coming onto his game."

Meanwhile, injury-plagued Paul Kitson's problems continue.

A stomach upset prevented him from reporting for training yesterday.