Richard Carpenter is racing against time to be fit to face his old club Cardiff.

Albion's central midfielder admits he has his work cut out to be ready for the Championship clash against the Welshmen at Withdean a week tomorrow.

Carpenter was forced off halfway through last month's draw at Burnley with a tendon problem in the sole of his right foot.

The 33-year-old missed out as the Seagulls took a point from their last two matches, away to Leicester and at home to Norwich.

He is eager to make a comeback against Cardiff, where he spent two seasons before joining Albion five years ago, but fears the game might come just too soon.

"I'd had a jab on the Tuesday before the Burnley game, because I couldn't put any weight on my right foot," said Carpenter.

"It was still a bit sore. I played in the game and I suppose I was kidding myself a little bit really.

"I had another jab last Saturday and I'm just waiting now to build up in training.

"The main tendon which attaches to the calf is inflamed. It can just come and go, a sharp pain as if somebody is sticking a hot poker in your foot.

"It's frustrating because it has come from nowhere. I think it is going to be a bit of a push to get there for the Cardiff game."

Carpenter hopes to play a part in next week's reserve game against Luton at Worthing, which has been brought forward 24 hours to Tuesday (7pm).

Meanwhile, Albion are monitoring Worthing-born Marcus Tudgay's uncertain future at Derby.

The top priorities for squad strengthening are a leftback and centre half but manager Mark McGhee is an admirer of Tudgay, a striker who can play wide or through the middle.

The 22-year-old, out of contract next summer, wants a loan move away from Derby after being overlooked by boss Phil Brown.

Sheffield Wednesday and Crewe, two of the Seagulls' fellow Championship strugglers, are reportedly interested in Tudgay.