Top scorer Bobby Zamora has been ruled out of Brighton and Hove Albion's opening friendlies by a groin injury.

The Seagulls' hitman has been told he will recover from surgery in time for their long-awaited return to the First Division.

Zamora, who played for England under-21s in the European Championships while his Albion team mates were starting their summer holidays, will miss the next fortnight of pre-season.

Albion describe the surgery as minor.

They expect him to be back in light training two weeks before the season starts and are confident he will spearhead the attack at Burnley in the league opener on August 10.

Caretaker boss Bob Booker said: "This is a precautionary measure.

"Bobby has made us aware of this injury and we expecting him to pick-up his pre-season preparation in a couple of weeks.

"He will be back to complete the pre-season and we fully expect him to spearhead the attack for the start of our season in Division One."

Charlie Oatway is the latest of Albion's double title winners to make a long-term commitment to the club.

Oatway has signed an improved three-year contract, replacing the existing deal which still had a year to run.

The move is in line with new deals accepted by team mates Richard Carpenter and Paul Watson in the last few days.

Oatway, 28, was signed by former Albion boss Micky Adams three years ago and was a regular in midfield before losing his place in last season's run-in.

Booker said: "Charlie is an integral part of the squad and has been since Micky was starting out here.

"He was out of the running towards the end of last season but he still played a big part around the club.

"This is a fresh start for everybody with us moving into Division One and he will be working his hardest to get back in the reckoning."

Oatway and his colleagues will continue their tough training work tomorrow as they look towards Tuesday's friendly at Worthing, though Booker has given them Sunday off.

He said: "A lot of groundwork has been put in, both on the football side as well as building up fitness, and we have got a lot of mileage out of the players."