Albion's promotion push has received a triple defensive injury boost, led by the return to fitness of Gaetan Bong.

The first-choice left-back has fully recovered during the international break from a knee injury which has sidelined him since the start of January.

Seb Pocognoli, Bong's deputy, has shrugged off a groin injury which has kept him out for a month, while right-back and captain Bruno is over the minor groin problem which forced him to miss the last outing at Leeds.

The international break, which began with a training trip to Valencia in Spain, has also enabled Norwegian Vegard Forren, signed as emergency centre-half cover for Shane Duffy (foot fracture) and Connor Goldson (heart condition) to get up to speed with his fitness.

 

Boss Chris Hughton said: "Seb and Gaetan have trained in the last couple of weeks and they are both available, which is really good news.

"Bruno is okay and Vegard came away with us, got some really good training under his belt. He's a very experienced player."

Midfielder Beram Kayal, sent home by Israel before their game against Spain due to illness, has been declared fit as well for the visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Amex on Saturday.

Hughton told The Argus: "He had a slight bout of tonsillitis with us the week before, was fine, went away and then it was on the other side, so they sent him away from the team, but he's fine. He trained Monday, Tuesday and today as well."