Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has stepped up his injury recovery after featuring in West Bromwich Albion’s U-21 game on Monday as he nears a return to first-team action, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The centre-back has been sidelined since November after undergoing surgery on a severe hamstring injury sustained during the Baggies’ goalless draw against Cardiff City.
New West Brom manager Tony Mowbray revealed he would closely monitor the defender’s progress before considering him for selection.
“I’ve had a conversation with the director of medical about Semi. I need to see him work in a small space with drills,” Mowbray told the club’s media.
“I’ve also spoken with Semi, and I plan to watch him play to evaluate his progress and see how he reacts.”
The 30-year-old’s injury, which former Baggies boss Carlos Corberan described as a “broken muscle in two parts,” initially required a four-month rehabilitation period following surgery.
“Semi has suffered a more difficult injury… The best way to manage this is with surgery because it helps reduce the risk of suffering this type of injury again,” Corberan had explained in November before his departure to Valencia.
The injury forced Ajayi to miss Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, having been a regular fixture in the Baggies’ Championship campaign with 12 appearances before his setback.
The defender is expected to return to first-team action in the coming weeks as he continues his rehabilitation process.
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