West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has confirmed that Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for approximately four months following surgery for a severe hamstring injury.
Ajayi sustained the injury during West Brom’s recent goalless draw against Cardiff City, where he was substituted in the 79th minute and replaced by Karlan Grant.
This setback halts an impressive season for the 30-year-old, who has been ever-present in Albion’s lineup, featuring in all twelve of their EFL Championship games so far.
The injury has been confirmed as a high-grade tear, necessitating surgery. Corberan commented on the severity of Ajayi’s condition, saying: “Semi Ajayi, unfortunately, has suffered a more difficult injury. It was an action which was an accident.
He has broken his muscle in two parts. The best way to manage this injury is with surgery because surgery helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again.
He added, “Returning in about 16 weeks is the approximate time when you have this type of surgery.”
Ajayi’s absence is a setback not only for West Brom but also for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
His four-month recovery timeline means he will miss crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda this month—a blow to coach Augustine Eguavoen, who sees Ajayi as an integral part of the squad.
The Super Eagles are already contending with another injury to Olisa Ndah, who was ruled out in early October.
However, Eguavoen has other reliable options to step up in Ajayi’s absence, including Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, and William Troost-Ekong, each capable of reinforcing the center-back position for the upcoming fixtures.
