The Argus - News, Sport, Brighton and Hove Albion and Entertainment for Brighton, Hove and Sussex

Joe the latest on the sick list

From the The Argus, first published Friday 19th Jan 2007.

Albion are sweating on the health of Joe O'Cearuill in their search for a winning tonic at Chesterfield tomorrow.

The loan signing from Arsenal is the latest victim of a virus sweeping through the Seagulls' camp.

O'Cearuill, pictured right, was sent home from training yesterday, joining a list of recent casualties.

Manager Dean Wilkins, Alex Revell, Gary Hart and even the club's press officer Paul Camillin have all been on the sick list.

O'Cearuill, 19, made an impressive home debut at rightback in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Millwall.

The Seagulls can ill-afford to lose him as well, especially after the long-term ankle ligament damage sustained in training by Revell and a calf injury threatening to keep Kerry Mayo out of the squad on his comeback from suspension.

If O'Cearuill and Mayo are ruled out it would leave Wilkins with only 14 outfield players in his entire first team squad with starting experience, including the out-of-favour Maheta Molango and Doug Loft.

The search for reinforcements continues but Wilkins said: "I don't want to speculate or give names.

"I don't think that is something supporters want to hear, especially if there is disappointment at the end of it. I can only assure you we are working hard to try to change the situation."

Albion fans will have to sit rather than stand at Saltergate tomorrow. The away terrace has been closed by safety officials concerned about the weather.

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