There's concern over the fitness of Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy ahead of the March playoff with Slovakia in Bratislava.
The towering Brighton centre-half has undergone a minor operation to have a blood clot removed from his leg.
According to the Argus, Duffy's been managing the problem in recent weeks and isn't expected to be a long-term absentee.
The 28-year old has only started 9 Premier League games this season, and was an unused substitute for the Seagulls' recent games with Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
It's thought Duffy could be out for two to three weeks as a result of the operation.
Ireland boss Mick McCarthy can scarcely do without Duffy for that trip to Bratislava given his influence at both ends of the pitch.
He's played every minute of Ireland's Euro 2020 qualifying campaign thus far, scoring a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to Denmark in June 2019.
His absence adds to Graham Potter's defensive worries at Brighton.
He's without another centre-half in Dan Burn due to a broken collar-bone.
Brighton go into Saturday's trip to West Ham 15th in the Premier League table, and just 2-points clear of the relegation zone.
The Seagulls haven't kept a clean sheet since their 2-0 win over Bournemouth on December 28.
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