Azeez faces late fitness test ahead United clash

Brighton forward Femi Azeez faces a late fitness test ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirming the Nigerian remains in contention to make his debut for the Seagulls.

Azeez, who joined Brighton from Millwall on deadline day in a deal worth more than £15m, has yet to feature for his new club after picking up an injury on the opening day of the Championship season.

The 25-year-old played in Millwall’s 2-0 victory over Bristol City but has been sidelined since, missing Brighton’s last two matches against Leeds United and Coventry City.

However, Hurzeler revealed that the forward could return against United if he comes through training without any setbacks.

“Azeez needs to be assessed in training ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup game against Manchester United,” Hurzeler said prematch.

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Azeez’s potential return would hand Brighton an attacking boost as they look to progress to the next round of the competition.

The Seagulls drew 1-1 with Leeds before thrashing Coventry 5-0 last weekend and will face a United side they defeated 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup.

Azeez enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Millwall, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions. His performances also earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

The former Millwall man became the second Nigerian to join Brighton this summer after Zadok Yohanna, who arrived earlier in the window from Swedish club AIK.

With his Brighton debut still pending, Azeez will hope to prove his fitness in training and earn his first appearance for the club against United.

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