Darren Byfield ruled out for Walsall

Walsall have been hit by a second injury blow after Darren Byfield was ruled out of Saturday's trip to Brighton.

The captain is again sidelined after missing last weekend's 2-1 win over Plymouth with an Achilles injury, joining Steve Jones who is out with a sprained ankle.

But the Saddlers have been boosted as new-boy Jon Macken could feature at the Withdean Stadium - as long as he proves his fitness to boss Chris Hutchings in the next 48 hours.

However, Hutchings is set to be without his influential skipper as his men look for a third successive League One win.

He said: "It looks like Darren will be out of the weekend unless he comes through today and there's a major improvement.

"That's what Achilles are, sometimes they are OK and you can train but then have a reaction. We are monitoring it as we go along.

"He's slowly recovering, hopefully he should be joining in next week."

Reuben Reid and Alex Nicholls are likely starters, with new signing Macken back in contention after shaking off a calf complaint.

Hutchings won't risk the former Manchester City ace unless he is 100 per cent but is hopeful of the 32-year-old playing a part.

He said: "Providing he comes through all his fitness tests, he could be involved. There's no point risking him if there's a doubt.

"I don't want to put him back a couple of weeks. He's worked extremely hard and is very keen to get out on the training ground.

"Sometimes your enthusiasm rules your head so we've just got to make sure he's right."

Macken missed pre-season after his release from Barnsley and Hutchings won't rush the former £5million man back because he wants him on top form. "

The manager added: "As a striker you want to do yourself justice. He needs to work on his sharpness and fitness levels."