Boss Chris Hughton has played down Anthony Knockaert's absence from the squad against Everton.

The French winger is in contention for the visit to West Ham on Wednesday after he was left out of the matchday 18 on Saturday for tactical reasons.

Knockaert was omitted, with wing rivals Jose Izquierdo injured and Alireza Jahanbakhsh away at the Asian Cup with Iran.

Swedish under-23s attacker Viktor Gyokeres was among the substitutes.

Hughton said Knockaert is "fine for West Ham." He explained: "I have at the moment very good competition for places and probably with the change in formation (to 4-3-3) I am able to be a little bit more tactical than in the past.

"It was solely tactical, yes he is in the squad for West Ham."