West Bromwich Albion manager, Carlos Corberan has confirmed that Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for about four months following hamstring surgery.
Ajayi, 30, has been a consistent figure for West Brom this season, featuring in all 12 of their EFL Championship matches. However, he sustained a high-grade hamstring tear during the team’s recent goalless draw against Cardiff City, which saw him subbed off in the 79th minute. Following surgery, Ajayi will be unavailable for Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda, a significant setback for Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen.
Corberan faces further challenges, with defenders Kyle Bartley and Paddy McNair also out. McNair, on loan, is expected to miss two months due to a hamstring injury, while Bartley will be out for four to six weeks with a knee issue.
Reflecting on the lineup challenges, Corberan stated, “We’re dealing with three centre-backs injured within the same week. It’s going to be a tough test for us,” according to BBC Sport.
In Ajayi’s absence, the Super Eagles have defensive options with Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, and William Troost-Ekong ready to step up, although Olisah Ndah is also ruled out for the year.
