Semi Ajayi could miss West Brom clash v Oxford United after disgusting scenes in last 24 hours
Semi Ajayi could miss the next West Brom fixture against Oxford United, as he and his Nigerian teammates are stuck in Libya.
The centre-back has been away on international duty with the Super Eagles but, thankfully, was only a last-minute substitute against the Mediterranean Knights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in their 1-0 win.
However, Ajayi and his national teammates are now facing unsportsmanlike behaviour from the Libyan government and federation, with the Nigerian squad not being allowed to leave the airport ahead of a reverse fixture [William Troost-Ekong].
It’s concerning for fans, who are now uncertain of whether their star defender will be back in the Midlands on time ahead of the fixture at Oxford United on Saturday [19 October].
The Baggies are set to take on the Yellows in a crunch fixture that could see Carlos Corberan’s team keep pace with table-toppers Sunderland in the Championship.
Semi Ajayi pivotal for West Brom
Ajayi has been ever-present in the West Brom lineup this season, starting in all nine of their Championship games, keeping five clean sheets and making no errors that have led to shots or goals, as per Sofascore.
Taking to X, Troost-Ekong brought to light the treatment by the Libyan government, who have been accused of “mind games” ahead of the fixture on October 15, and the Nigerian captain is adamant about not playing the game.
Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Ajayi and his teammates will be allowed to travel back to their respective clubs without the game against Libya taking place.
If the 30-year-old cannot make the starting lineup against Oxford, Corberan will have some big decisions to make.
To compensate for the Nigerian’s possible absence, Torbjorn Heggem could partner Kyle Bartley at the back, with Gianluca Frabotta playing on the left if that is what’s needed.
In other West Brom news, West Brom ready loan-to-buy bid for Tom Cannon as £10m transfer news emerges.
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