'70–80 percent chance' – Jakirovic gives fresh fitness verdict on Hull City defender Ajayi

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has delivered a fresh update on Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi's injury status ahead of their weekend Championship clash against Watford.

Ajayi, who arrived at the Tigers in the summer as a free agent, has been sidelined since sustaining a knock after the goalless draw with Coventry City on the opening day of the season.

The 31-year-old has since missed six matches across all competitions, including league fixtures against Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Swansea City, and Southampton, as well as the Carabao Cup tie against Wrexham.

Speaking on the possibility of Ajayi featuring against Watford, Jakirovic revealed that Hull's medical team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery.

"I don't know - maybe. 70, 80 per cent [chance]. Our doctors are very careful. They don't want to push anybody," the Croatian tactician was quoted as saying by Hull Live. 

He added that he is hopeful Ajayi, alongside teammate Matt Crooks, could be fit in time for the clash at Vicarage Road.

"If you're asking me, they will be ready. I'm fighting all the time with them," he added.

With the October international window approaching, Ajayi will be eager to regain fitness not only for Hull but also to boost his chances of being named in Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.

Adeyemi Adewale

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