Danny Welbeck has been hailed as “a different level” for Albion as he aims for a big second half of the season.

The former England striker could feature tonight as the Seagulls visit Chelsea (7.30pm, Amazon Prime Video).

His return from a three-month injury-enforced absence has been hailed as “massive” by team-mate Adam Lallana, who captained the side to a 2-0 Boxing Day win over Brentford.

Lallana said: “Having Welbz back on the training pitch the last three weeks, I can’t explain to you how refreshing that is.

“He will bring out the best out of anyone. (He’s a) world class footballer.

“If we can keep him fit from now to the end of the season he will have big success.

“He is a different level of player for Brighton, it’s as simple as that.

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“When you see him day in and day out at training, Neal (Maupay) can learn from him, I can still learn from him, we can all learn from him.

“He just gives everyone that bit of belief.”

Albion have never scored against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but Welbeck went close to changing that in a 0-0 draw last term when he hit the inside of the post.

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Lallana told BBC Radio Sussex: “We go there with confidence and belief.

“Why can’t we go there and get a result?

“We did last year, we did at Anfield this year.”

Welbeck and 17-year-old Evan Ferguson were Albion’s strikers on the bench against Brentford with Aaron Connolly not involved.

That would appear to place more uncertainty over what the near future holds for Connolly.

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Head coach Graham Potter later confirmed Connolly’s absence was “no injury - just tactical.”

Asked whether Connolly could return tonight, Potter replied: “Possibly.”

The striker fuelled rumour and guesswork over what could lie in store when he followed Middlesbrough FC on social media this week.