Semi Ajayi: West Bromwich Albion defender eager to make return from lengthy layoff

Semi Ajayi is anxious to return to action for English Championship side West Bromwich Albion in coming days following a five-month long injury layoff.

The Super Eagles defender has been out since he came off in the 20th minute of Albion’s 1-1 draw with Wigan at the end of August and went on to have a successful surgery on his ankle.

The Nigeria international returned to full training just before the break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and is currently out in Spain with the rest of the senior squad who are completing a warm-weather training camp.

West Bromwich Albion will take on La Liga side Elche CF later today, which will give the 29-year-old Ajayi a first opportunity to show new manager Corberan what he can do.

“I feel really good right now. It’s so nice to be back with the team and to be involved in training sessions once more,” Ajayi told the club media.

“It was such a frustrating period for me, being out injured. I’ve never been injured in my whole career, which has been really fortunate, up until this season.”

The defender has gone through a frustrating spell on the sidelines for the first time in his career and can not wait to get back to doing what he loves to do best.

“I was itching to get back out there and help the boys, so to be available once again for selection is really pleasing. I can’t wait to get back out there,” he continued.

“I’ve missed out on some of the manager’s early sessions and I feel like I’ve had to play a little bit of catch-up in terms of fitness for obvious reasons, but also when looking at the little bits of tactical information which he’s been delivering to the players.”