ALBION boss Chris Hughton is relieved to have Shane Duffy back to replace the banned Lewis Dunk against Arsenal.

Dunk misses the Boxing Day clash against the Gunners at the Amex (5.15) following his controversial dismissal in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

It coincides with the return of his regular partner Duffy at the heart of his defence after the Irishman’s three-match suspension for seeing red against Crystal Palace.

Hughton said ruefully: “I think probably that is the only bonus. And we will only lose Dunky for one game.”

Hughton was unhappy about the first yellow card Dunk received from Mike Dean for a challenge on David Brooks.

He felt it should have gone instead to team-mate Yves Bissouma for his initial challenge on Bournemouth’s two-goal hero.

Hughton also absolved Dunk of any blame for his second yellow, a foul from behind on England team-mate Callum Wilson when he was 30 yards from goal.

“No, he’s a defender,” Hughton said. “We had a sending-off three games ago which was a deserved sending off (Duffy) but I think if somebody is making a clear effort to get to the ball, I wouldn’t question that at all.

“The only thing I would question is whether he should have been booked in the first place and, having seen it again, the answer would be no. It should have been Bissouma.”