Albion manager Micky Adams is scouring the loan market to shore up his severely depleted squad.

He is hunting for at least two new faces before Thursday's transfer deadline, with a centre half and midfielder the main targets. The promotion-chasing Seagulls squad has been decimated by injury and unavailability.

Adams currently has only 17 players available, including three goalkeepers, rookie stopper Adam Virgo and veteran non-contract capture Phil Stant.

Danny Cullip (ankle and elbow), Matthew Wicks (hamstring) and Charlie Oatway (knee) are all long-term injury victims. Gary Hart (ankle) is also rated doubtful for Saturday's Withdean showdown against leaders Chesterfield.

Darren Carr is on loan at Carlisle, with no immediate prospect of Adams recalling him to plug the gaps at the back. Fringe midfielder Lee Johnson has been released from his month-to-month contract by mutual consent, while Rod Thomas has been given compassionate leave for a family illness.

Adams' biggest headache is in the centre of defence. Cullip is out for at least four to six weeks and Wicks is at Lilleshall for an assessment of a recurring hamstring problem which has ruled him out of ten of the last 15 matches.

Adams is particularly concerned about the simultaneous absences of Cullip and Oatway, who had knee surgery last week.

"It's a massive blow," he said. "They are two very strong and determined leaders, not only out on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.

"We need to fill that gap as quickly as we can. I have made a few phone calls already. Deadline day is on Thursday, so I will have to move quickly.

"I wouldn't write Danny off for the rest of the season yet. He could be available towards the end, because he is a good healer."

Even physio Malcolm Stuart was off ill yesterday. He shares a benefit dinner with retired kit man Jock Riddell at the Grand Hotel in Brighton tonight.

Meanwhile, the Football League has confirmed that charges facing Chesterfield, relating to alleged financial regularities, will not be dealt with this week.