Former Arsenal U21 skipper ruled out of Nigeria's friendly against Algeria

Former Arsenal U21 skipper Semi Ajayi has been ruled out of Nigeria's upcoming friendly against Algeria on September 27, 2022, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The West Brom central defender suffered an injury during the Championship match against Wigan Athletic, leading to his substitution after twenty minutes.

He was not available for selection for the games with Burnley and Coventry City as a result of the ailment.

Ajayi has been diagnosed with an ankle injury and has undergone surgery to repair the damage once and for all.

Baggies manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that the Nigeria international will, in principle, be out of action for at last six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the glamour friendly against the Dessert Warriors.

Providing a fitness update on the squad, Bruce told the official website of West Brom : "Semi has had an operation. We’ve listened to specialists and they’ve advised us that was the best thing to do going forward.

"We’re expecting him to be about another six weeks but these things can change."

Ajayi has emerged as a key player under Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro with the centre-back going the distance in all the four matches played by the national team since the Portuguese took over the managerial reigns.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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