West Brom without Semi Ajayi for Ipswich Town after new development
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West Brom without Semi Ajayi for Ipswich Town after new development

Pete Hanson
Pete Hanson

Head of Editorial Standards & Recruitment AUTHORITY Former senior digital journalist at Stats Perform; network specialist in live data, editorial standards, and journalist recruitment. FOCUS Editorial standards, Statscore live data integration, newsroom operations, and recruitment. THE BRIEF Pete brings deep data expertise from his time at Stats Perform to oversee the network’s use of Statscore’s live data, setting the standard for how writers use it to produce original editorial content. He is also responsible for maintaining editorial standards and leading recruitment across the network.

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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.

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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West Bromwich Albion
Semi Ajayi
Carlos Corberan
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