Albion's big summer buy Sam Baldock has been ruled out for the rest of the season by a knee injury.

Baldock hurt a ligament late in the first half of Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Derby at the Amex.

The striker converted into a left-winger collapsed clutching the back of his right knee as he was pursued by Ryan Shotton without the Derby defender making contact.

Tests have confirmed Baldock will miss the remaining 11 games of the Championship campaign with a damaged posterior cruciate ligament, although he does not require surgery.

It is the latest in a series of blows suffered by the 25-year-old former MK Dons marksman since a £1.5 million plus move from League One Bristol City in August.

Injury niggles have limited Baldock to 22 appearances and he has spent much of the time playing out of position during the Seagulls’ struggles in the bottom half of the table.

He has scored four goals, including three in the space of four recent home appearances playing on the left-wing under Chris Hughton, after top scoring with 24 in League One last season.

Hughton told The Argus: “He has made an important contribution since I have been here, so it’s a shame for us but more so for him.

“He is a fit lad and he has been enjoying his football, albeit not in his best position.”

Kazenga LuaLua, who scored after replacing Baldock against Derby, could now make his first start since the end of November at Reading on Tuesday (8pm).

Baldock’s absence also improves the chances of on-loan Middlesbrough winger Emmanuel Ledesma getting more game time.

The Argentinian made his debut in the dying stages against Derby after joining Albion four matches ago for an initial month.