By Korede James
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray has bemoaned Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi’s latest injury.
Ajayi, who had only just returned from a previous injury, will not play against Leeds in the Championship this weekend or the next few matches.
The Nigeria international could hopefully be back for a play-off push after suffering a fresh hamstring injury.
He came off in the 41st minute of the first half during last weekend’s 2-0 win against Oxford United and will now enter a period of rehabilitation.
“It’s disappointing for him, frustrating for him and for us,” Mowbray was quoted on Birmingham Live.
“He’s got all the qualities to be a really talented player. He has got real confidence in his mobility to defend so it allows us to play a higher line and try and keep the opposition away from our goal.
“He will be a loss. A blow to us but we wish him a speedy recovery and we will get on with it with the fit players. We have to push on.”
The 31-year-old has played in 14 Championship matches for the Baggies this season.
Ajayi’s latest injury setback means he will miss next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between the Super Eagles and Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The former Arsenal defender scored in the 1-1 draw with Lesotho on matchday 1 of the World Cup qualifiers in Uyo in November 2023.
