Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has provided an update on the fitness of Nigerian forwards Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna ahead of the club’s UEFA Conference League encounter with Kauno Žalgiris.

Hürzeler addressed the media on Wednesday, on the eve of Brighton’s European fixture at the Amex Stadium, confirming that both players are still adapting to the demands of their new club after arriving during the summer transfer window.

Azeez joined the Seagulls from Millwall, while Zadok completed his move from AIK Stockholm. The 25-year-old Azeez is yet to make his competitive debut for Brighton because of fitness concerns, whereas Zadok has featured three times as a substitute.

Both Nigerians were omitted from Brighton’s squad for their first match after the international break, having failed to regain full fitness while recovering from knocks.

Azeez is unlikely to feature against Kauno Žalgiris after missing Wednesday’s training session, although Hürzeler played down concerns surrounding the winger’s absence.

“No big issue. I think we talked about it last press conference, where some players need more time to adapt to the intensity,” Hürzeler told reporters.

The Brighton manager compared Azeez’s situation with that of Zadok, explaining that the club is focused on providing both players with the right environment to adjust to its playing philosophy and expectations.

“It’s a little bit similar to Zadok, in that we try to give them the environment where they can adapt to our demands, to how we want to play.

“Therefore, these kind of players might need a little bit longer, but overall, there’s not a big issue, something I can report to you.

“It’s just a thing of adapting, and let’s see how fast he will adapt. I’m sure he’ll make his debut for us quite soon.”

Azeez and Zadok were also unavailable for the Super Eagles’ three matches during the first international break of the season as they continued their rehabilitation.

While Azeez continues to wait for his first competitive appearance in Brighton colours, Hürzeler’s comments suggest the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure both Nigerian forwards become fully accustomed to the physical demands and tactical expectations of their new surroundings.