Hull City leaking goals without Ajayi: Manager Jakirovic confirms expected return date

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has provided a positive update on the fitness of Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi, indicating when the centre-back is likely to return to action.

Ajayi, who joined the Tigers as a free agent this summer following the expiration of his contract with West Brom, sustained a hamstring injury in the aftermath of his side's Championship opener against Coventry City, where he put in a commanding performance to help secure a goalless draw.

The injury ruled him out of three consecutive Championship fixtures and also cost him a place in Nigeria's squad for this month's back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Hull City secured a clean sheet on Ajayi's debut, but his absence has since been felt, with the Tigers conceding nine goals in three league matches – an average of three per game.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Swansea City, Jakirović confirmed that another London-born Nigerian centre-back Akin Famewo has rejoined the squad after a spell on the sidelines.

"Akin (Famewo) is good, he trained with us all week, so he will be in the squad, which is also very important for us,” the Croatian tactician was quoted as saying by Hull City's official webpage.

Turning his attention to Ajayi and Matt Crooks, the Hull boss revealed that both players are nearing a comeback.

"The plan (for Semi Ajayi & Matt Crooks) with our medical (staff), maybe after Southampton for Watford,” Jakirović added.

Hull City travel to face Swansea this weekend before a home game against Southampton, with Ajayi's return pencilled in for the following fixture against Watford on Saturday, September 27.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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