Albion are playing a waiting game with stricken skipper Dean Hammond as they sweat on the fitness of their "driving force".

They will leave it as late as possible before making a decision on his availability for Saturday's trip to Tranmere.

Hammond was stretchered off with a gash to the outside of his right knee after colliding with Northampton defender Chris Doig during last Saturday's 2-1 win at Withdean.

He had several stitches in the wound, is on crutches to prevent the cut from re-opening and is taking antibiotics because of the risk of infection.

Assistant manager Dean White said: "It is not in the best place in the world. It depends how it heals.

"There is no doubt he is a key figure for us, the captain and the driving force. We will just have to wait and see."

Albion won only once in nine League matches without Hammond last season. They will also have to find another penalty taker if he is ruled out of the visit to Prenton Park, following his successful early spot-kick against Northampton.

Joel Lynch, sidelined against Northampton by torn muscle fibres around the knee and calf, is still a doubt.

White said: "We are not sure if Joel will be fit. He hasn't trained yet. We have got a free week so hopefully we can get some training into him, although he is a naturally fit lad.

"Everybody is quite buoyant after Saturday. It was an important result and we just need to kick on now."

Bas Savage and Tommy Fraser, both used as late substitutes against Northampton, feature for the Reserves against Queens Park Rangers at Woodside Road, Worthing, tonight (7pm).

White and boss Dean Wilkins are likely to be elsewhere on scouting missions as the quest to strengthen the squad continues ahead of the close of the permanent and season-long loan transfer window at the end of the month.

White added: "We are still looking to bring players in but there is a lot of competition."

Albion Reserves: Sullivan; Fogden, Pearson, Mayo, French; Savage, Fraser, Reid, Loft; Gatting, Elder.

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