Yves Bissouma could be about to hand Albion a much-needed midfield boost.

The Mali midfielder is likely to miss his side African Nations qualifier in Gabon on Saturday due to missing paperwork.

Mali coach Mohammed Magassouba revealed Bissouma was unable to travel because he did not have his UK residence permit with him.

Seagulls boss Chris Hughton is assessing midfield options for the visit of Leicester City a week on Saturday, when Dale Stephens starts a three-match ban.

He could really do without Bissouma picking up a knock while on international duty.

Davy Propper has been out injured since October 5 and Pascal Gross since September 1, both due to ankle injuries.

Hughton would love to have them back to face the Foxes.

The Albion boss said: "Davy has been out for a shorter period of time, Pascal's been out for longer.

"They'll be decisions we make over this period of time.

“They will both be training and certainly with the games we've got coming up and Dale's position, that's a plus."

Albion's other senior central midfielder, Beram Kayal, is on international duty with Israel.

They meet Guatemala in a friendly in Netanya on Thursday, then travel to Hampden Park to face Scotland in the Nations League next Tuesday.