Super Eagles news: Hurzeler clarifies Femi Azeez’s situation ahead of Brighton debut

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has clarified whether Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez will be fit enough to feature in their Premier League clash against Sunderland on Saturday.

The Seagulls return to action later today after the international break, travelling to the Stadium of Light with doubts over the availability of their summer signing from Millwall.

Azeez joined Brighton on transfer deadline day in a deal worth more than £15 million but is yet to make an appearance for the club due to injury.

Femi Azeez in action for Nigeria. Copyright: xToyinxOshodixImago

The Super Eagles star suffered the injury while playing for Millwall in their Championship opening game of the season in August and has not featured in a competitive match since then.

Femi Azeez: Hurzeler explains why Super Eagles star could wait for Brighton debut

Hurzeler had previously suggested that the Super Eagles forward could be available for Brighton’s game against Sunderland. However, it now appears Azeez may have to wait longer to make his debut as the club looks to ensure he is physically ready before returning to action.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Brighton boss confirmed that Azeez will not feature in the clash against Sunderland as they want him to be fully ready.

“He played in a friendly game and he had some minor issues this week”, Hurzeler said, via The Argus.

“What I mean by that is his body needs to adapt to our intensity, to our demands, the demands in the Premier League. I think he's feeling now that he's in his adaptation phase.”

Brighton and Hove Albion Manager Fabian Hurzeler. Copyright: ImagoxAidanxHunter

Azeez was pictured training with his new teammates this week, raising hopes that he was getting closer to a full return.

However, Hurzeler made it clear that the forward is not dealing with a fresh injury but is experiencing some minor physical issues as he adjusts to the demands of his new team.

“It's not an injury but there are some small, minor issues and, again, he's a player who is quite sensitive”, the German added.

“We have to get a feeling now of what makes sense for him. Does it make sense to play tomorrow, does it make sense to play in the next game?

“It's a decision we have to do together. Like with all the new players, we have to be patient.

“That's no surprise for us. We are patient with every player who steps new into this environment.

“We try to give him a good environment where you can improve and where he can adapt to certain things.

“Some players need more time, some players are quicker. We have to see how Femi reacts to this”, the Brighton coach concluded.

Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez. Copyright: IMAGO/TomxMajor

Azeez will now be hoping to reach full fitness so he can finally make his Brighton debut after joining the club last month.

The Super Eagles forward will be targeting a return to action next weekend when the Seagulls face Crystal Palace in a Premier League match.