According to Daily post, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has urged patience with Nigerian winger Femi Azeez as the player continues his recovery from a hamstring injury ahead of his competitive debut for the Premier League club.

Azeez joined Brighton from Championship side Millwall on transfer deadline day but has yet to make his first competitive appearance for the Seagulls due to the injury he sustained earlier in the season.

The 25-year-old picked up the hamstring problem on the opening day of the campaign while playing for Millwall, affecting his availability following his move to Brighton.

Although the winger has reportedly made progress in his recovery, Hurzeler has indicated that the club will not rush him back into action until he is ready to return.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Brighton’s UEFA Conference League encounter against Jablonec, the German manager explained that the club was still assessing the player’s condition and could not provide a definite timeline for his return.

“With Femi, again we have to be patient with him. It's not quite clear how long it will take. It seems to be not a big issue, but therefore we have to be patient,” Hurzeler said.

The manager’s comments suggest that Brighton are taking a cautious approach to Azeez’s recovery, despite indications that the injury is not considered a major problem.

The club will be hoping that the Nigerian international can regain full fitness soon and begin contributing to the team after his summer move.

Azeez has already taken a step forward in his rehabilitation, having featured for Brighton in a friendly during the last international break. However, his involvement in that match has not yet translated into a competitive appearance.

His absence means Brighton must continue to wait before assessing what the winger can offer in official matches.

The Nigerian joined the Seagulls after impressing at Millwall, where his performances helped attract interest from the Premier League side. His arrival was expected to provide additional attacking options for Hurzeler as Brighton compete across domestic and European competitions.

However, the injury has delayed his opportunity to establish himself within the squad and adapt to his new surroundings.

For Brighton, ensuring that Azeez returns in good condition will be important as the club seeks to manage its players effectively during a demanding season.

Hurzeler’s decision to emphasise patience indicates that Brighton are unwilling to take unnecessary risks with the winger’s fitness, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the exact duration of his recovery.

The manager will continue to monitor the player’s progress before determining when he can resume competitive football.

Meanwhile, Brighton are preparing for their Conference League fixture against Jablonec, although Azeez is not expected to feature in the encounter.

The winger will now focus on completing his recovery as he waits for an opportunity to make his competitive debut for the club.