Tommy Elphick is coming back ahead of schedule as Albion aim to shrug off their Christmas blues.

The young central defender came through a practice match on Saturday and returns to the squad to face Bournemouth in League One action at Withdean today (Tuesday).

He could get a start as Joel Lynch struggles with a virus. Lynch missed training yesterday, along with midfielder Tommy Fraser and back-up keeper John Sullivan, who were also unwell.

Albion had hoped to give Elphick a midweek friendly to complete his recovery from hernia surgery but his return to full fitness is well timed.

If he plays it will be his first game since the televised draw at Leyton Orient on November 17.

Elphick stayed behind while his senior colleagues went to Yeovil on Saturday and came through an in-house match overseen by director of football Martin Hinshelwood and youth manager Vic Bragg.

The 20-year-old stopper said: "Everything went well. Going into the game I was still not 100 per cent in my mind it was right.

"But after Saturday I definitely feel good. I feel sharp, I feel like I've got my strength back in my hip region and I'm raring to go."

Asked if he expected to start today, Elphick said: "I hope so.

"This is the first time since I've been at the club, either as a pro or a scholar, that I've been injured during the season.

"Coming back will be a new experience and I'm looking forward to it."

Albion have lost two games and two key players in Bas Savage and George O'Callaghan since Christmas Day.

Elphick, one of the success stories of the campaign so far, said: "I think it's important we dig in as a unit.

"Everything that has gone on is in the past. We're looking forward.

"Mentally more than anything it's a big game for us."

How much have Albion missed Tommy Elphick since his injury?