Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Fabian Hürzeler has explained why Nigerian duo, Femi Azeez and Yohanna Zadok are yet to make their debuts for the English Premier League side.
Addressing the press on Wednesday ahead of Brighton’s UEFA Conference League encounter with Kauno Žalgiris at the Amex Stadium, Hürzeler provided fitness updates on the two forwards.
Azeez and Zadok joined the Seagulls during the summer transfer window from Millwall and AIK Stockholm, respectively.
Azeez is yet to feature in a competitive match for Brighton due to fitness concerns, while Zadok has made three substitute appearances for the club.
Both players were left out of Brighton’s squad for their first fixture after the international break as they continued to recover from injuries and were not yet fully fit.
Azeez could miss another match against Kauno Žalgiris after failing to participate in training on Wednesday.
Hürzeler said the situation was under control, noting that the winger was still adapting to the intensity and demands of his new club.
He said, “No big issue. I think we talked about it at the last press conference, where some players need more time to adapt to the intensity.
“Femi’s situation bears some similarities to Zadok’s situation, in that we endeavour to establish an environment enabling them to acclimatise to our expectations and our preferred style of play.
“Consequently, these players may require somewhat more time, though overall, there is no major concern that I can communicate to you.
“It is merely a matter of adaptation, and we shall observe how quickly he acclimatises. I am confident he will make his debut for us in the near future.”
Azeez and Zadok were unavailable for the Super Eagles’ three fixtures during the first international break of the season as they continued their recovery from injuries.
EPL: Why Zadok Yohanna, Femi Azeez have not been playing – Brighton boss, Hürzeler