Brighton boss Hurzeler says Femi Azeez is nearing return but will miss Getafe game

Brighton winger Femi Azeez is making progress in his recovery from injury but will not make his competitive debut against Getafe on Thursday, head coach Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed.

The Nigeria international was not included in Brighton’s travelling squad for their UEFA Conference League fixture in Spain, along with Ferdi Kadioglu and Pascal Struijk.

Hurzeler said the trio were absent because they were unavailable through injury, rather than being rested for the European match.

“We left no one at home for a rest, but a few players had to stay home because they’re not available for tomorrow,” the Brighton head coach told the club’s official website.

He then confirmed that all three players would miss the game, while offering particular encouragement over Azeez’s condition.

“So Ferdy won’t be available, Struijk won’t be available, and also Femi is still not available. They’re getting closer, especially Femi,” he added.

The update is a positive development for Azeez, whose start to life at Brighton has been delayed by ongoing fitness problems.

The 25-year-old joined the Premier League club from Millwall on September 2 and signed a four-year contract. He had scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 77 appearances for Millwall before completing the move.

Azeez was expected to compete for an opportunity in the Premier League after arriving at Brighton, but injury has prevented him from making his first competitive appearance for the Seagulls.

Hurzeler’s comments indicate that the Nigerian winger is approaching a return to contention, although the manager has not given a specific date for his debut.

Brighton’s match against Getafe will therefore come too soon for Azeez, who remains focused on reaching full fitness after missing the opening period of his career at the club.