The triple injury blow Brighton fans feared most ahead of Arsenal showdown

Creative midfielder Adam Lallana suffered a groin injury during Brighton's entertaining 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday.

The 32-year-old, who joined on a free-transfer from Liverpool last summer, didn't feature in the second half at the London Stadium and was replaced by Colombian international midfielder Steven Alzate.

Lallana now looks set to miss the Arsenal showdown at the Amex and could also be a doubt for Brighton's home fixture against Wolves on January 2.

Lallana also struggled with a groin problem during the 2-1 win at Aston Villa last month.

He came back in the next match where he was introduced as a second half substitute against Liverpool but lasted just eight minutes against his old club.

Striker Aaron Connolly is also a major doubt for Arsenal as he complained of a groin issue just ahead of the West Ham match.

"He [Lallana] had a problem with his groin," said Albion head coach Graham Potter. "He felt a little bit of an injury.

"We are hoping it is not too bad but it was a feeling that he had."

"Aaron had a twinge yesterday," Potter added. "He was unavailable for the team against West Ham. He had an issue in his groin injury. That is disappointing for him and us."

Tariq Lamptey is the third blow for Potter ahead of Arsenal. Lamptey has been bothered by a hamstring injury that appears to be taking longer to mend than first expected.

The influential 20-year-old wing back was ruled out for the home 1-1 draw against Sheffield United and also missed Sunday's draw at the London Stadium.

Potter confirmed the former Chelsea man, who joined Brighton for just £3m last January, is unavailable for Arsenal and a doubt for Wolves.

"He's going to be a few days and maybe weeks but we will see," said Potter.

"He is an explosive runner. We are learning about him and he is learning about himself as well in terms of the Premier League's demands.

"He is learning about his position and how he plays the game. He is unique in that regard.

"That is something we have to keep working on and keep trying to improve and help him be available on the pitch more."

Meanwhile, Arsenal, who are yet to win at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League and suffered back to back 2-1 defeats to Brighton last season, will be without centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who is self isolating.

Thomas Partey remains absent while David Luiz and Willian are ill.