Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi is close to making a full return after spending nearly four months on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Ajayi sustained the injury in West Bromwich Albion’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Cardiff City last October and underwent surgery a few days later. However, he has now recovered and is working towards regaining full match fitness.
West Brom head coach Tony Mowbray confirmed that Ajayi has resumed training and has been featuring for the club’s U-21 side as part of his rehabilitation process.
Stepping Up His Comeback
Ajayi is set to continue his return by playing for West Brom’s U-21s in a friendly against Newcastle United on Monday night.
Mowbray emphasized the importance of match minutes in assessing the defender’s readiness.
“I’ve just had conversations with [director of medical] Tony Strudwick about Dike. You could say the same about Semi [Ajayi] and the same for maybe Frabotta and Cole. When do they play? I’m asking,” Mowbray said.
“I need to see all these players play. It’s okay to put them in little boxes with drills. I’d like to see them all play in an under-21s game. You can only play three overage players.
“I’ve had the conversation with Semi ‘What about 45 minutes?’ I’m coming to watch. Him having to react and deal with things.”
A positive performance in the friendly could see Ajayi back in contention for first-team action in the coming weeks.
Race Against Time for World Cup Qualifiers
The 31-year-old has made 12 league appearances for West Brom this season, playing every minute before his injury.
Now, he has around six weeks to regain full fitness and push for a spot in Eric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
With the Super Eagles currently struggling in fifth place, needing to win all their remaining six games, Ajayi’s return could be a boost to Nigeria’s defensive options.
Meanwhile, West Brom sit sixth in the Championship table and are firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot.
The Baggies will hope to have Ajayi back in full force as they push for promotion to the Premier League.
