Albion slipped closer to the bottom three tonight – and lost a key player to a seemingly serious injury.

Joao Teixeira was stretchered off on 80 minutes of a dour 0-0 draw at home to Huddersfield.

The Portuguese attacker twisted as he fell while committing a foul, for which he was booked, and damaged his right ankle.

Albion missed the chance to pick up a much-needed win and are now seven points clear of the drop zone after Millwall beat Wigan.

But the Seagulls, despite plenty of endeavour, did not deserve to win.

They did not manage a shot on target until the 83rd minute, when Dale Stephens’ drive was blocked by a defender in front of goal.

Bruno saw a mishit cross come back off the bar and Inigo Calderon had an injury-time effort blocked.

Mustapha Carayol saw a volley in the first half rear up off the turf, loop over the keeper and hit the bar.

But Huddersfield, who are now mathematically safe, had the better chances.

Nakhi Wells twice shot too close to David Stockdale when well placed.

Stockdale produced a superb stop from Oscar Gobern in the second half with Wells firing a follow-up effort against the post with the goal gaping.