Hurzeler reveals where Nigerian star stands ahead of Man United clash

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has provided an injury update on Nigerian forward Femi Azeez ahead of their Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Seagulls will face the Red Devils in a repeat of last season’s FA Cup meeting, when Brighton secured a 2-1 victory to advance to the next round of the competition.

Azeez has been out of action since suffering an injury during the opening day of the Championship season for Millwall. The Nigerian played in their 2-0 victory over Bristol City but has not featured for the club since then.

The 25-year-old completed a deadline-day move to Brighton during the summer transfer window in a deal worth more than £15 million. He became the second Nigerian to join the club this summer after Zadok Yohanna, who arrived earlier in the window from Swedish club AIK.

Azeez has yet to make his Brighton debut, sitting out the club’s last two matches. Brighton drew 1-1 with Leeds United before thrashing Coventry City 5-0 last weekend.

Femi Azeez: Hurzeler provides injury update on Nigerian forward

Azeez enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions. His performances also earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash, Hurzeler revealed that Azeez remains in contention to feature against Manchester United but will need to be assessed in training before a final decision is made.

“Azeez (undisclosed) needs to be assessed in training ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup game against Manchester United”, Hurzeler said prematch.

Brighton will be hoping to secure another victory over Manchester United and progress beyond the third round of the Carabao Cup. 

Azeez, meanwhile, will be hoping to recover in time and earn his first appearance for the Seagulls since completing his move from Millwall.