Brighton's Yohanna returns to training ahead of Man City clash
Brighton winger Zadok Yohanna resumed full training Thursday, ending an 11-match absence that stretched back to the Premier League opening day. The 19-year-old Nigerian, signed from AIK for a club-record €28 million, last featured in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers against Tromsø and missed Nigeria's AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed the forward's return alongside Stefanos Tzimas (ACL recovery) during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Manchester City. However, Hürzeler stopped short of guaranteeing Yohanna a spot in the matchday squad.
The news also highlights Brighton's other Nigerian attacking option, Femi Azeez, who remains without a competitive debut since his deadline-day move from Millwall. Hürzeler offered no update on the former Millwall forward's fitness.
For Super Eagles watchers, Yohanna's return to the training pitch is the clearest signal yet that his frustrating first season in England may finally turn. The Golden Boy top-100 nominee now needs to translate training sharpness into match minutes.
Will Hürzeler risk the teenager against the champions, or ease him back via the bench or U21s? Either way, Brighton's €28 million investment is finally on the pitch.