Irish duo Evan Ferguson and Sammie Szmodics are set to miss several Premier League games through injuries.
Ferguson remain sidelined for “some more weeks” as he continues to struggle with an ankle issue.
The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international has missed Albion’s last three Premier League matches amid reports he could leave the club on loan during the current transfer window. The current injury seems likely to decrease his chances of a January move.
Following a bright start to his career, Ferguson has endured a frustrating period at the Amex Stadium. He sat out the final nine games of last season due to injury and has been restricted to just two top-flight starts this term.
Teenage striker Michael Noonan goes straight into Shamrock Rovers squad for European action
Diogo Jota rescues draw for Liverpool against impressive Nottingham Forest
Premier League wrap: Brentford hit back from two down to take point against Manchester City
Johnny Kenny’s return to Celtic sparks striker search for League of Ireland clubs
Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Norwich, Seagulls head coach Fabian Hurzeler told a press conference: “Evan is doing OK, not perfectly, but he is doing OK. I think it will take some more weeks until he returns.
“I hope it goes faster but I cannot say clearly when he will be back, so we have to be patient.”
Hurzeler has depleted attacking options for the visit to Carrow Road after Joao Pedro sustained an ankle problem in training to join Ferguson in the treatment room.
Top scorer Danny Welbeck has missed the last five matches with a similar issue and is being assessed.
With Ferguson and Pedro definitely out and Welbeck a doubt, Hurzeler has backed record signing Georginio Rutter to return to his best following a dip in form during which he lost his starting role.
Meanwhile, Szmodics could be set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle knock in Ipswich’s draw at Fulham last weekend.
McKenna said: “We don’t know how long he will be out, to be honest.
“Hopefully it won’t be a very, very serious injury, but he is in a boot at the minute with damage to his ankle.
“He will be assessed on Monday to get a little bit of a clearer picture on where he is at.”
