Femi Azeez is set to undergo a late fitness test before Brighton & Hove Albion decide whether he can make his debut against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford.
The Nigeria international joined Brighton from Sky Bet Championship side Millwall on transfer deadline day, but a minor hamstring injury has delayed his first appearance for the Seagulls.
Azeez suffered the problem during Millwall’s opening-day match against Bristol City. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said the 24-year-old will be assessed ahead of the trip to Manchester before his availability is confirmed.
The midfielder’s possible return provides a boost for Brighton as they prepare to face Manchester United, although the club will also be without fellow Nigerian Zadok Yohanna.
Yohanna is sidelined with an injury and is expected to return after the upcoming international break.
Brighton go into the cup tie in confident mood after producing an emphatic 5-0 win over Coventry City on Sunday. That result has given Hurzeler’s side momentum as they attempt to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Azeez will hope to feature in the competition after being ruled out of Brighton’s early matches since completing his move from Millwall. His final opportunity to prove his fitness will come before the meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford.