Kemy Agustien’s hopes of impressing Albion boss Chris Hughton before his contract runs out have suffered a further blow.

The Dutch midfielder has undergone surgery on a persistent thigh muscle injury.

The club’s medical staff reluctantly decided an op was necessary after Agustien suffered several setbacks in his attempts at a recovery.

The two-year deal he signed on joining the Seagulls on a free transfer from Swansea expires at the end of the season.

Injury problems have restricted Agustien to 17 appearances, the last away to Tuesday's victims Leeds in August.

First team regular Inigo Calderon, record signing Craig Mackail-Smith and Agustien are among eight players out of contract at the end of the season.

The list also includes third-choice goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, veteran defender Aaron Hughes, loaned out do Paddy McCourt (Notts County) and Vitalijs Maksimenko (VVV-Venlo) and 20-year-old striker Shamir Fenelon.