Miguel Almiron was thrown into the starting line-up at the Amex Stadium as Steve Bruce fought to save his Toon career on the South Coast.
The Paraguay international's return comes quicker than expected but desperate times call for desperate measures for Bruce.
Defeat at Brighton could leave him facing a St James' Park exit, and despite the fact Leeds beat Fulham last night, Bruce knows the score when it comes to his future.
Bruce also named Javier Manquillo in from the start as Emil Krafth dropped to the bench and was joined by Dwight Gayle.
Gayle had been shunted to the left wing against Aston Villa and had less than a half to impress in his natural position last week.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron, Willock, Fraser, Joelinton.
Subs: Darlow, Carroll, Ritchie, Gayle, Lewis, Hendrick, Fernandez, Murphy, S Longstaff.
