Brighton manager casts doubt on Azeez’s return date

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler Photo : X

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has admitted that the club cannot say when Femi Azeez will make his competitive debut, with the Nigerian winger missing Thursday’s UEFA Conference League tie against Jablonec.

The Super Eagles forward joined the Seagulls from Millwall on transfer deadline day, September 2, but is yet to play a competitive minute for the Premier League side.

The 25-year-old arrived at the Amex Stadium with a minor hamstring problem, which forced Hurzeler to manage his workload carefully, and a setback later delayed his return beyond the international break.

Azeez resumed training with his new teammates earlier this month, raising hopes of a first appearance. However, Hurzeler told The Argus that the club still has no clear timeline for his availability.

“With Femi, again we have to be patient with him. It’s not quite clear how long it will take,” the German said.

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He offered some reassurance about the nature of the problem, but stopped short of giving a date.

“It seems to be not a big issue, but therefore we have to be patient with Femi,” Hurzeler added.

Azeez will face stiff competition for a place when fit, as Brighton have started the season in impressive form. He, however, tormented defenders in the Championship last season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 37 appearances.

He helped Millwall reach the play-offs and made both the PFA and EFL Championship teams of the season.

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