West Bromwich Albion have received a major boost with Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi returning to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray expressed his delight after the centre-back featured for the club’s U-21 side in their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at Damson Park on Monday night.
Ajayi had been out for around four months after suffering a hamstring injury during West Brom’s Championship clash against Cardiff City last October.
The 31-year-old played the first half of the match as he continued his recovery and stepped up his preparations for a return to senior football.
Mowbray is now considering including the Nigerian international in his squad for this weekend’s Championship meeting with Millwall, particularly with captain Kyle Bartley set to serve a three-match suspension.
The West Brom boss explained that the match was an important stage in Ajayi’s rehabilitation after spending several weeks training away from competitive action. Mowbray was quoted by Birmingham Live saying:
They [Semi and Daryl] have been out on the training ground for a week or two, I just feel it was right they play in a game that is not overly controlled for them, where they have to be committed, not like in training where you have to be careful of team-mates.
Mowbray, however, stressed that Ajayi’s immediate return to the first team would depend on how he responds to the game and subsequent training sessions.
With Millwall next on the horizon, Mowbray admitted that Ajayi’s physical presence and experience could make him an option for the squad.
Ajayi’s return comes as welcome news for West Brom, who will be hoping the experienced defender can regain full fitness and strengthen their defensive options for the remainder of the campaign.
