Adam Lallana will have a role to play helping Albion's squad during his injury-enforced absence.

But his season ON the pitch could be over.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi cannot guarantee Lallana will be back this term as he struggles with a hamstring injury.

The midfielder attended Saturday’s game against Fulham on crutches and wearing a support around his right thigh.

He watched from a seat just behind the technical area alongside Billy Gilmour.

De Zerbi is keen to keep Lallana involved and wants him to agree a contract for next season.

The Seagulls boss said: “I want Lallana with me, 100%, but I already spoke with Tony (Bloom, chairman) and told him to extend his contract.

“Adam helps not only me, not only coaches, but also players, the young players.

“His importance is on the pitch but also off the pitch.”

De Zerbi had already revealed Lallana had a “big” injury which could rule him out for months.

The initial indication after he limped off at Leicester was for a relatively short lay-off.

But De Zerbi said on Saturday: “I don’t know but it can be he has finished the season.

“It is bad news for us because Adam is one of the most important players for us.

“We can win without Adam, but he is important for us.

“The medical team told me the possibility to play in this season is not so good.”