Brighton & Hove Albion are weighing up the possibility of handing a first appearance to recent acquisition Femi Azeez during Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Coventry City.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has expressed cautious optimism that Georginio Rutter could also feature at the CBS Stadium after recovering from a recent injury setback.
Defender Zadok Yohanna, meanwhile, continues to be omitted from matchday squads as he works through a modified training regimen.
Rutter has been absent from Brighton’s last three competitive matches, with his left foot having required protective casting.
During Thursday’s pre-match media obligations, Hurzeler indicated the forward was making encouraging progress.
The player encountered a minor complication during his recovery but has now returned to outdoor training ground work, raising hopes he could be included in the squad if no further issues emerge.
Winger Azeez arrived from Millwall on transfer deadline day and had been forced to watch from the sidelines during the recent 1-1 stalemate with Leeds United due to a slight hamstring concern.
The attacker is set to join full team practice sessions on Thursday, with Hurzeler anticipating he may become an option for the trip to the Midlands.
Several players remain unavailable for selection.
Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, defender Mats Wieffer, wide attackers Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma, forward Stefanos Tzimas, striker Evan Ferguson, and Yohanna all continue their rehabilitation programmes.
Mitoma has been photographed undertaking gym-based conditioning work this week as he progresses through his recovery from the hamstring complaint sustained in May.
The Japanese international is not expected to resume competitive action until after the upcoming international break.
Hurzeler suggested the winger’s comeback would likely come following the international period.
Yohanna, who completed a summer move to the south coast from Swedish club AIK, is being afforded an adaptation period to manage the physical demands of top-flight English football and integrate into the club’s training methods.
His return to consideration for matchday involvement is likewise pencilled in for after the international interruption.