Chris McPhee's latest injury setback will keep him out for "weeks rather than months".

McPhee suffered a left foot injury in Tuesday's friendly against Lewes.

The Albion striker, who scored the only goal, had only recently returned after being sidelined since pre-season with a broken metartarsal on the same foot.

But Seagulls boss Mark McGhee today revealed that the latest knock is not connected.

He said: "We are convinced it certainly isn't a re-occurence of the original injury. Maybe there is a minor crack on the side of the foot.

"It still hasn't been properly assessed but he is certainly going to miss the next couple of weeks or so. We're not sure yet.

"But we believe it will be weeks rather than months. That is the positive we are taking out of it."

McPhee battled hard to get fit after the first injury left him on crutches.

McGhee said: "It is a nightmare for the lad. He was only just getting started again and now he's had another setback.

"But he's a strong lad and it could have been a lot worse."

McGhee is keeping his fingers crossed that Albion pair Dan Harding and Adam Hinshelwood, who are away on European under-21 Championship duty with England, stay clear of injury.

Harding and Hinshelwood are in Peter Taylor's squad for the qualifiers against Wales tomorrow and in Azerbaijan four days later.

Cardiff's Brighton-born manager Lennie Lawrence revealed today he is keeping tabs on Harding.

Lawrence will get a close-up of Albion's left back when the teams meet at Withdean on October 19.