Nathan Jones is battling to be fit for Brighton and Hove Albion's return to Division One.

The versatile left-sided player has been told he suffered knee ligament damage in Monday's 3-0 friendly win at Bognor.

Jones limped off after a clash in the second half and was initially thought to have suffered nothing more serious than a blow to the shin.

Further examination has revealed ligament damage and he could be out for two to three weeks.

He will definitely be out of action as the Seagulls step up their preparation for the new campaign with friendlies against professional opposition over the next nine days.

The Nationwide League opener, away to Burnley, is now just 15 days away.

Boss Martin Hinshelwood said: "It's bad news but not as bad as it could have been.

"Jonah is a quick healer and he doesn't want to miss the start of the season but he will not be playing in next week's games."

The Seagulls go to Cheltenham on Tuesday and Bournemouth a week tomorrow.

Before that they visit old Third Division rivals Leyton Orient tomorrow and hope to give on-trial Croatian defender Marijan Kovacevic a chance to impress.

Kovacevic, who also holds a German passport, warmed up with the side ahead of Wednesday's draw at Gravesend and Northfleet but is awaiting international clearance to play for Albion.

The centre of defence is an area Albion need to strengthen for the coming season and they hope Kovacevic, whose previous clubs include Pierre Littbarski's Duisburg in Germany, will be the answer.

Hinshelwood said he had already identified "one or two" players at other clubs he was keen to sign.

Fans have until next Tuesday to get their postal applications to the club for tickets to see the opening home game of the season.

Coventry City are the first visitors to Withdean on Tuesday, August 13.

The Seagulls have been allocated 3,000 seats for the game at Portsmouth on Saturday, August 31, which is all-ticket for away fans.

They are priced £16 (adults) and £9 (under-16s and senior citizens).

Applications are invited by post only from members of the Away Supporters Scheme (one ticket per member) to the Ticket Office, 5 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3WA. Envelopes should be clearly marked Portsmouth in the top left hand corner.