Ali Al-Habsi is expected to bow out of the Gulf Cup with Oman today – before rushing back to England.

Oman complete their group fixtures at 4.45 pm GMT and probably need to beat leaders Kuwait to go through to the semi-finals.

Al-Habsi, on loan from Wigan, has told Seagulls boss Sami Hyypia he will be back in time for the Championship match at Norwich City on Saturday.

But Oman could put him under pressure to stick around if they go through.

Al-Habsi has not been allowed to play in the last two Gulf Cup tournaments, which is not FIFA-recognised, by his clubs.

But Wigan had already cleared him to go this year – and get some much-needed playing time – before his loan move to Albion came up.

Al-Habsi has won 94 caps for Oman and is massively popular in his homeland.

Albion will face a Norwich side anxious to re-ignite their promotion push after a run of one win from eight games.

Goalkeeper Mark Bunn, defender Ryan Bennett and midfielder Wes Hoolahan are their principle absentees through injury.