Gray has already been dealt a blow this week with Kyle Walker's early return to Sheffield United, while Liam Davis also misses the game at the Withdean Stadium through suspension.

Todd's loan from Derby County isn't scheduled to end until after Saturday's game, but with this week's change of management at Pride Park, Gray is concerned the 34-year-old may be recalled by the Coca-Cola Championship club.

Paul Jewell left the Rams on Monday with Chris Hutchings taking over the caretaker reins, and Gray admitted: "With Paul losing his job, you never know, we might lose Andy Todd, but fingers-crossed that won't happen."

Derby travel to Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday and then take on Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final next week.

And although Todd was clearly not on the first team radar under Jewell, having not played for the Rams all season, Gray is concerned the situation now may be different.

"I had agreed with Paul that Andy would stay with us (after this weekend), but that might change now with Chris Hutchings in charge," admitted Gray.

"He might want to bring him back if he feels he needs a bit of experience at the back."

Todd's loan situation is just one of a number that Gray has to sort out in the coming days, as after the trip to Brighton, the deals for Scott McGleish, Ron-Robert Zieler and Kurt Robinson also expire.

"I need to talk to managers and players," said Gray. "I haven't had a conversation with Peter Taylor regarding Scott yet, and I've not had the conversation with Scott to see if he wants to stay for another month."