The longer Albion struggle, the more Solly March's stock rises.

Not for one second would March have wished the current toils on his team-mates.

But here's the polarised impact for a player sidelined for any significant spell.

If the side thrives in his absence he can easily be forgotten and find it difficult to earn a place once recovered.

If they labour he is regarded as a possible solution, like making a new signing.

His reputation rises without kicking a ball.

So it could be when March eventually returns from a stress fracture of the back.

It looked innocuous when he was hurt in the early stages of a pre-season friendly at Crawley.

It proved to be much worse for Albion and a young player who made such rapid, eyecatching progress into first team and international contention.

March featured in more than half of the Seagulls' Championship matches under Oscar Garcia last season.

His progress and potential was rewarded with a four-year contract in April. The following month he made his debut for England under-21s alongside club colleague Jake Forster-Caskey in the Toulon tournament in France.

Reports of Southampton preparing a £4 million bid were unfounded but March had caught the eye of Arsenal and Everton before inury struck.

Sami Hyypia is unfortunate to have been without March and his ability to glide past opponents with apparent ease. His versatility means he could operate as an advanced midfielder or as part of the narrower front three the Finn customarily uses.

Hyypia remarked in September: "It is very unfortunate for Solly, because he had a good pre-season and I was looking forward to seeing how he does in the League."

It will be a while before March has the opportunity. In the meantime, if Hyypia's team do not climb up the Championship table, the expectation accompanying that moment will only mount.