Gus Poyet is confident of a double defensive boost as Albion bid for a happy return to South London.

The Seagulls boss expects to see Adam El-Abd and Wayne Bridge working this morning in the run-up to the Championship test at in-form Charlton.

Both have missed the last few games, including last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Albion desperately need at least one to return from injury with Lewis Dunk serving a one-match suspension and Marcos Painter laid low by a calf tear.

Poyet told The Argus last night: “El-Abd and Bridge are training tomorrow (Thursday) so looking good.”

El-Abd has missed the last six games with a calf problem and had to abandon plans for a comeback at Selhurst Park after feeling below par in training on Thursday.

Bridge limped out of the 3-3 draw at Wolves, also with a calf injury, and has sat out the subsequent four fixtures.

Right-back Bruno has been troubled by a painful rib and also took a whack to the calf in the very early stages of the Palace game.

Charlton have commanding centre-back Michael Morrison available again after a serving a one-match ban in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Millwall.

Morrison is likely to return in place of Dorian Dervite while Danny Haynes could return to attack to add pace alongside the experienced Rob Hulse.