Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu has retired at the age of 24 after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition.

He has played six times in the Premier League this season, with his last appearance coming in the side’s 5-2 victory over Leicester City.

Mwepu has been told he risks suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event if he continues playing.

“The condition, which can worsen over time, would put Enock at an extremely high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event, if he were to continue playing competitive football,” Brighton said in a statement.

The Premier League club said the health problem was not seen on previous cardiac screening tests, which top-level players routinely undergo each season.

“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock,” Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said.

“As a club we will give him all the love, help and support we possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”

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Mwepu made his debut for Zambia as a teenager while he was playing for Salzburg.

He joined Brighton last year.

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