Femi Azeez set for Brighton return after international break – Fabian Hurzeler

Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that Brighton are targeting a return to full fitness for Femi Azeez after the Nigeria international’s injury disrupted the start of his career at the Premier League club.

The 25-year-old winger is yet to make his Brighton debut after picking up the setback in the early stages of the new season.

With Brighton preparing to face Premier League champions Arsenal on Saturday, Azeez remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation and works towards reaching the required fitness level.

Hurzeler sets out Azeez’s recovery plan

Brighton coach Hurzeler says the club will not rush the winger back into competitive action, with the immediate focus on restoring his physical condition before introducing him gradually to the team.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Hurzeler said Azeez must use his current period on the sidelines to regain his fitness while becoming familiar with Brighton’s tactical approach.

“I think that the best for Femi is, like what I just mentioned, that he uses exactly this period to get back to his highest physical level and then get used to our style of play.”

The German coach also revealed that the club will work with Azeez individually before attempting to reintegrate him into the first-team setup.

“Then we will try to work with him individually and then hopefully integrate him back into the team.”

Azeez joined Brighton with expectations of competing for a place in Hurzeler’s squad, but the injury has delayed his opportunity to establish himself at the club.

The winger has consequently spent the opening weeks of the campaign away from first-team football while concentrating on his recovery.

Brighton hopeful of post-break return

Hurzeler remains optimistic that Azeez could be available for match action when club football resumes after the upcoming international break.

The Brighton boss believes the winger should have reached a strong physical level by then, potentially allowing him to begin contributing to the team.

“Definitely, after the international break, he will be at a top level and then we can use him in games.”

“That’s the plan. Hopefully, it will come like this, but, yeah, let’s see.”

Azeez’s recovery has also disrupted his involvement with the Super Eagles.

The winger was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, as well as the international friendly against Russia.

His absence means Nigeria will have to wait for his return to full fitness before considering him for upcoming international assignments.

For now, Brighton’s priority is to ensure Azeez completes his recovery and adapts fully to Hurzeler’s system before throwing him into Premier League action.

With the international break providing additional time for the winger to work on his fitness, Brighton will hope he can return ready to make his long-awaited debut.