Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler is hopeful new signing Femi Azeez will recover from a minor injury in time to make his debut against Coventry City on Sunday.
Azeez joined Brighton from Sky Bet Championship club Millwall on transfer deadline day, but the former Reading winger has yet to feature for the Seagulls after picking up a slight knock.
Hurzeler says the 25-year-old remains a doubt for the weekend, but is optimistic he will be available when Brighton travel to face Frank Lampard’s Coventry side.
“Femi is obviously carrying a slight injury at the moment,” Hurzeler said, as quoted by Sussex Express.
“With Femi, we have to wait this weekend, and hopefully he will be available for the next game [Coventry].”
Azeez enjoyed an impressive Championship campaign last season and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Season. His performances helped attract Brighton’s interest, with Hurzeler confident the winger can make a significant contribution to the Premier League club.
The Brighton head coach highlighted Azeez’s versatility in front of goal, noting that he is capable of finishing with either foot, while also praising his judgement in attacking areas.
“Femi’s a winger, he can score with the right and with the left foot. He has really good decision-making in the final third,” Hurzeler added.
“He’s a hard worker. I’m really pleased with the transfer window.
“Of course, there have been a lot of changes. Now it’s about us integrating all the new players as quickly as possible and becoming a really strong unit. That’s our responsibility now.”
Brighton’s immediate focus is on building cohesion after a transfer window in which the squad underwent significant change. Hurzeler believes the club must now ensure its new arrivals settle quickly and contribute to the development of a unified team.
Azeez’s availability will therefore be closely monitored ahead of the trip to Coventry City. Brighton will hope the winger’s injury is not serious enough to prevent him from being involved, although Hurzeler’s comments suggest a final decision will be made closer to the match.
The move to Brighton represents the next step in Azeez’s career after his standout season in the Championship with Millwall. The club’s coaching staff are encouraged by his work rate, creativity and ability to finish with both feet, qualities they believe can strengthen their attacking options once he is fully fit.