Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has been sidelined for up to two months after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 31-year-old picked up the injury during the Super Eagles’ third-place playoff victory over Egypt on Sunday, limping off in added time. Subsequent scans have confirmed hamstring damage, with Ajayi expected to be out for around seven weeks.
His absence is another setback for Hull City’s promotion push, with the Tigers already without Mo Belloumi and Darko Gyabi, both of whom are nursing long-term injuries.
Despite their growing injury list, Hull City secured an emphatic 3-0 away win over Preston North End, with goals from Liam Millar, Akin Famewo and Oli McBurnie.
During the match, David Akintola was forced off shortly after the restart due to cramp and was replaced by debutant Yu Hirakawa, who made an instant impact by providing the assist for McBurnie’s goal. John Egan also left the pitch in added time with cramp, though both players are expected to be fit for the weekend.
Kyle Joseph missed the Preston clash after picking up an ankle injury at Southampton and remains doubtful for Saturday’s home fixture against Swansea City. Meanwhile, Hull City are hopeful Ryan Giles will recover in time to return to the squad for next weekend’s trip to Blackburn Rovers
