Brighton captain Dean Hammond is an injury doubt ahead of the FA Cup third round clash with Mansfield.
Hammond doubtful; Boulding blow
Brighton captain Dean Hammond is an injury doubt ahead of the FA Cup third round clash with Mansfield.
The midfielder suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's 3-2 win over Bournemouth and could miss out.
Goalkeeper Michel Kuipers is also suffering with a knee problem but he is expected to be patched up in time to play.
Better news for boss Dean Wilkins is the return of defender Joel Lynch and midfielder Tommy Fraser, who both missed out against the Cherries due to illness.
French midfielder David Martot should also be back in the squad after the Seagulls extended his loan spell from Le Havre until the end of the season.
Boulding out
Mansfield will have to do without star striker Michael Boulding.
The 15-goal top scorer was injured after just 15 minutes of the 1-0 defeat at MK Dons and is looking at a month out with a hamstring injury.
To add to the Stags' woes, his replacement John McAliskey only lasted 17 minutes before he too had to be replaced with a recurrence of his hamstring injury and he is a major doubt for the tie.
This should open up an opportunity for young striker Ian Holmes, a summer signing from non-league Matlock, to lead the line.
Manager Billy Dearden has been dealt a further blow after Martin McIntosh - who is back from a one-match ban - suffered a calf injury in training on Thursday morning and is now facing a late fitness test.
Defender Alex-John Baptiste is also a doubt with a back injury, but midfielder Lee Bell is back in contention after his recent knee operation.
