Graham Potter might just have dropped a hint or two about his plans to cover for his centre-back and skipper.

The Seagulls are preparing for life without Lewis Dunk across the next three matches.

That opens two questions – who plays at the back and who captains the team?

Pascal Gross finished the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace wearing the armband after Dunk was sent off.

But the German is not likely to start when West Brom visit the Amex on Monday.

Dunk has played in the centre of a back three most of the time this season, flanked by Ben White and Adam Webster.

That changed at Crystal Palace last time out with White in midfield but he still had defensive responsibility which allowed Tariq Lamptey to charge forward down the right.

With no Dunk, there are two obvious line-ups with a back three, involving White and Adam Webster with either Dan Burn or Joel Veltman.

In his media conference today, Potter said: "There is a bit of flexibility there in terms of a back four or a back three.

“We can make decision later on.

“I have been happy with the way the team has been functioning recently and the performances have been good so I am reluctant to change too much.

“Clearly there is not another Lewis Dunk in our squad.

“That means you just have to find a different solution, more of a collective solution."

In terms of captaincy, leading contenders would appear to be Adam Lallana and Maty Ryan.

Potter said: "I have a few thoughts but I've not devoted much time to it at this stage."

He plans to speak to his coaching staff, including ex-skipper Bruno, and added: "It also depends on team selection."

Potter is keen for there to be more than one leader on the pitch.

He added: "You want to develop leadership within the group and not rely on a title to facilitate that.

“I think that is something we have been trying to do, develop that responsibility as a collective."