Azeez faces late fitness test ahead United clash

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Brighton forward Femi Azeez faces a late fitness test ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirming the Nigerian remains in contention to make his debut for the Seagulls.

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Azeez, who joined Brighton from Millwall on deadline day in a deal worth more than £15m, has yet to feature for his new club after picking up an injury on the opening day of the Championship season.

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The 25-year-old played in Millwall’s 2-0 victory over Bristol City but has been sidelined since, missing Brighton’s last two matches against Leeds United and Coventry City.

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However, Hurzeler revealed that the forward could return against United if he comes through training without any setbacks.

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

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Azeez’s potential return would hand Brighton an attacking boost as they look to progress to the next round of the competition.

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The Seagulls drew 1-1 with Leeds before thrashing Coventry 5-0 last weekend and will face a United side they defeated 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup.

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Azeez enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Millwall, 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.

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The former Millwall man became the second Nigerian to join Brighton this summer after Zadok Yohanna, who arrived earlier in the window from Swedish club AIK.

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With his Brighton debut still pending, Azeez will hope to prove his fitness in training and earn his first appearance for the club against United.

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