Albion are chasing a midfield replacement for Charlie Oatway after discovering they will be without their inspirational captain until December.

The Argus revealed yesterday that Oatway had suffered a setback to his recovery from a broken ankle, sustained against QPR at Withdean on Boxing Day.

Scans suggested an arthritic problem caused by being in plaster for so long following two operations.

Now further exploratory surgery has revealed the damage is much more severe, lengthening the combative midfielder's period of absence to almost a year.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "Charlie was a massive miss for us last season and I was counting on having him this year, so it's a really big blow.

"I've already made a phone call about a player who can maybe come in and help us.

"Prior to Charlie's problem I resisted looking in that area. Charlie, Chippy (Richard Carpenter), Dean (Hammond) and Reidy (Paul Reid) can go in there but with Charlie out of that I think we probably need one more."

McGhee's priority for squad strengthening remains a proven target man but Oatway's extended absence coincides with the hunt for a wing replacement for Frenchman Seb Carole, who is bound for Leeds on a free transfer.

Oatway was not the only member of McGhee's small squad to miss the start of pre-season training yesterday.

Young goalkeeper John Sullivan is still recovering from a finger tendon operation.