Albion forward Darren Freeman faces a fourth hernia operation in less than a year.

The Seagulls are waiting for confirmation of the results of a scan Freeman had while they were away in Ireland.

But the outlook appears bleak for the Brighton-born marksman as he battles to earn another permanent contract.

Boss Micky Adams revealed today: "While we have been away Darren went to see a specialist.

"We are awaiting the results of a scan, but the specialist has intimated it could be another double hernia."

Further surgery will be a devastating blow for injury-plagued Freeman as he approaches his 28th birthday.

He was Albion's top scorer two seasons ago, but his contribution to last season's Third Division title triumph was limited to 17 goalless appearances by triple hernia trouble.

He had a double hernia op last September, single hernia surgery at the end of October and a third hernia operation towards the end of the campaign, when the frustrated frontman also asked for a transfer.

Freeman has been on a month-to-month contract since his two-year deal expired earlier this summer.

Albion have already sold their 1,000 tickets for the opening Second Division fixture at Cambridge United on August 11.

Building works at the Abbey Stadium restricted the allocation and the tickets have gone to away scheme members applying by post in date order.

Friday night's Withdean friendly against Sheffield United is followed by visits for an Albion X1 to Selsey on Saturday from 3pm and Salisbury next Wednesday from 7.45.

The final first team friendly is at Gravesend and Northfleet next Tuesday (7.30).