Brighton Bears' Ralph Blalock has been given the all clear to return to action for tomorrow night's crunch clash with title rivals Sheffield Sharks.

The 28-year-old American guard, who has been hampered by a series of injuries in recent weeks, was expected to miss the match at the Brighton Centre because of nerve damage to his lower leg.

Bears coach Nick Nurse said: "This is great news.

"It is a critical time in the season right now and games don't come any bigger than Friday's game against Sheffield, so we need our best players on the court.

"We really weren't sure Ralph would be able to play, because he had a lot of numbness from his calf down to his foot, but the doctors have cleared him and that news has given the whole team a lift."

Bears are currently second in the BBL Championship, two points behind Sheffield, but have played a game less and therefore would claim top spot with victory tomorrow.