'He's still a big question mark' - West Brom boss says it'll be a miracle for Ajayi to be ready for Coventry clash

West Brom manager Carlos Corberán has all but ruled out Semi Ajayi's return from injury for Monday's Championship clash against Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The Nigeria international was left out of the matchday squad for the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in midweek after suffering a relapse of an ankle injury, which kept him out of the starting lineup in three consecutive matches before the international break. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Corberán admitted that Ajayi is a huge doubt for the trip to Coventry with an exact timescale on his absence yet to be given. 

In quotes relayed by Express and Star, Corberán said: "Semi keeps having the injury and other players are still in that process of injury, but it is important to not lose any more players."

The Spanish football tactician added:"I am in the same situation with this (a 'miracle' for Ajayi to be ready), it's a challenge.

"He has a grade two ligament (damage) of the ankle, it's a different type of injury and we need to see how he progresses.

"He's making his best but he's still a big question mark for the next game."

The Nigeria Football Federation and manager Jose Peseiro will be monitoring the fitness situation of Ajayi as the central defender could potentially be invited for two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November. 

The former Arsenal youth team captain attended a training camp in Portugal, where he featured in a friendly against Saudi Arabia this month. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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