Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious hamstring injury, Afrosport reports.
The 30-year-old defender will miss at least four months of action, West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan confirmed on Thursday.
Ajayi sustained the injury during the second half of West Brom’s goalless draw against Cardiff City at the Hawthorns in the Championship last weekend.
Corberan, 41, revealed that the Nigeria international will require surgery as “he has broken his muscle in two parts”.
“Semi [Ajayi], unfortunately, has suffered a more difficult injury. It was an action which was an accident. In this action, he has broken his muscle in two parts,” the Spaniard told club media.
“The best way to manage this injury is with surgery because surgery helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again.
“There are injuries which affect the tendon in specific areas where you have to have surgery. The surgery delays things by around two weeks, but it also reduces the risk of the injury reoccurring.
“Returning in about 16 weeks is the approximate time when you have this type of surgery.
This new development means Ajayi will miss the rest of 2024, and will not be available for selection for the Super Eagles’ last two matches in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in November.
Ajayi has been integral to the Baggies’ performances this season as he has featured in all 12 of their matches in the Championship this season, helping the team to clean sheets.
West Brom are currently fifth in the second division of English football with 20 points, and will face Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in their next league match.
