West Brom without Semi Ajayi for Ipswich Town after new development

Fri 2 February 2024 20:40, UK

Semi Ajayi will definitely miss West Brom v Ipswich Town on February 10, Express & Star journalist Lewis Cox has confirmed.

The Baggies’ centre-back is part of the Nigeria squad that defeated Angola 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

Although the 30-year-old is not guaranteed to feature in the final on 11 February, he will at least make the third-fourth play-off final, which takes place the same day as the fixture against the Tractor Boys.

“Semi and (Nigeria) into the semis. Next Wed & he now misses Ipswich. 3/4th play-off on Saturday week and final following day,” Cox posted on X.

“Diangana on bench for (DR Congo) again this eve.”

Ajayi a big loss for West Brom

On the one hand, West Brom supporters will be absolutely delighted that a popular player is on the cusp of reaching a major international final with his country as only one game stands in the way of Ajayi and the showpiece fixture.

But, on the other slightly more selfish hand, would it have been nice to have such an influential figure back for a huge clash against a side going for automatic promotion? A game that comes just a week after a huge Midlands derby with Birmingham City. Of course the answer to that is yes.

Semi and 🇳🇬 into the semis 💪. Next Wed & he now misses Ipswich. 3/4th play-off on Saturday week and final following day.
Diangana on bench for 🇨🇩 again this eve. #wba
— Lewis Cox (@LewisCox_star) February 2, 2024

West Brom will now be without Semi Ajai against Ipswich after Nigeria made the AFCON semi-finals.

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Alas, as we knew all along there could be a chance of happening, Ajayi – who had also impressed in the last-16 win over Cameroon – will now be absent for West Brom for the entire Africa Cup of Nations because even if they lose the semis now he will have to be around for two more games.

At least now there is just a little over a week before the end of the tournament and then, injuries permitting, Ajayi will be back to play a big part in the run-in for Corberan and the Baggies. Let’s hope it results in promotion at the end of it.

In other West Brom news, the transfer window may be closed but the Baggies’ business might not be over yet.

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