Caretaker boss Chris Hughton wanted to play the unsettled defender at Darlington on Satrurday, but (for reasons unknown) Bassong didn't make the squad.
Hughton said the 23-year-old was being held back because he was late returning to training following his spell of international duty.
Then switched the excuse to an injury.
But Hughton did add Bassong could return against Leyton Orient on Saturday.