Albion are down to the bare bones for their bid to claim a first win of the season at one of their favourite grounds.

The squad virtually picks itself for Friday’s clash against Millwall at The Den, where the Seagulls have recorded three clean sheet victories on their last four visits.

Boss Russell Slade has only 16 senior outfield players to select from, with six others either suspended or injured.

One-match bans for central defenders Tommy Elphick and Colin Hawkins have been confirmed following their red cards in Saturday’s 4-2 home defeat by Stockport.

Left-backs Jake Wright (hamstring) and Jim McNulty (ankle) will not be available, at the earliest, until the home game against Wycombe Wanderers on September 5 and Glenn Murray is sidelined by further hernia surgery.

Gary Hart has resumed training after a toe injury, which has kept him out since pre-season but the trip to South London comes too soon.

Slade will assess his limited options today as the players return to work after a day off. Adam El-Abd is poised for a recall to the starting line-up in defence, while the widespread absentees bring rookie midfielder Jamie Smith back into squad contention.

A decision must also be made on the frame of mind of Kevin McLeod, who missed the Stockport match because of a family bereavement.

Albion have strengthened their medical staff with the appointment of Worthing-based Dan Lobb as full-time masseur.