Brighton have suffered a major injury setback ahead of the Premier League run in with key men Georginio Rutter and Adam Webster potentially ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Seagulls are one of Newcastle United's main rivals the race for Champions League and Europa League football, level on points with the Magpies albeit they have played a game more than Eddie Howe's side.

Fabian Hurzeler's side were in action at the weekend when they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest on penalties after seeing off the Toon in the previous round.

It was during the clash at the Amex Stadium in which Rutter twisted his ankle in the turf in an off the ball incident.

Rutter was in distress as he leaved the pitch and spotted wearing a protective boot during the penalty shootout before hobbling into an ambulance after the game.

The 22-year-old has been one of Brighton's star players this season in the No. 10 position after his £40 million move from Leeds United in the summer.

Rutter has scored eight times and notched five assists on his return to the Premier League.

"So, both injuries [for Georginio and defender Adam Webster], I can say they don't look great," Hurzeler said at a press conference on Tuesday morning. “So we have to add them on our injury list.”