Beram Kayal has been ruled out of Albion's Championship challenge until at least December.

The influential Israeli central midfielder has undergone surgery on a small fracture above the right ankle after he was hurt in the home win against Barnsley at the end of last month.

Boss Chris Hughton revealed today: "He's ended up having a small operation where he had a very slight fracture.

"The decision was whether to do a procedure or not and the decision was to have a procedure, so he will be out for a period of time now which is a big blow for us.

"It is certainly the best thing for him to have the procedure done and will see him back in reasonable time. We are hoping to have him back at some stage in December."

Dale Stephens, Kayal's regular partner last season, is available for Preston's visit on Saturday after a ban but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Hughton said: "Oliver Norwood and Steve Sidwell played very well at Sheffield Wednesday and we have really good competition at the moment."

There is better news of long-term injury victims Solly March, Richie Towell and Kazenga LuaLua (below).

The Argus: A shin issue has delayed March's full recovery from serious knee damage sustained last December. Towell has yet to play this season due to a knee problem, while knee cartilage surgery has sidelined LuaLua since early September.

 

Hughton said: "Solly March is going to play in an under-23 game on Monday (home to Blackburn). Ritchie Towell is going to be training with the under-23 group on Saturday and Kazenga is very close.

"We are hoping he is going to train either with the 23's or join in with us at some stage next week."