Hull City will once again be without summer signing Semi Ajayi this weekend, with assistant manager Dean Holden confirming the defender will not be fit in time to face Southampton.
Ajayi has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the aftermath of Hull’s Championship opener against Coventry City.
Semi Ajayi injury setback leaves Hull City exposed
The Nigeria international was one of the standout performers that day, marshalling the defence in a hard-fought 0–0 draw, but his early setback has cast a long shadow over the Tigers’ start to the season.
His absence has already cost him four league fixtures and a spot in Nigeria’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
For Hull, the timing has been equally painful. Without Ajayi’s commanding presence, the back line have struggled, conceding 11 goals in their last four outings.
Holden admitted that the major reason for his absence is because patience is needed with the 30-year-old and others recovering from injury.
“Crooksy and Big Semi (Ajayi) will still be missing for this game, as will Eliot Matazo, another top player I can’t wait to see,” he said, as quoted by Hull Live.
Holden added that:
“It’s just making sure that once they come back in, they’re ready to stay in. That’s the key thing for us.”
Hull hope for Ajayi’s return against Watford
Ajayi arrived at the MKM Stadium on a free transfer from West Brom this summer, bringing with him six years of Championship experience and a reputation as a reliable organiser at the back.
The Tigers recruited him to provide leadership and stability — qualities that have been sorely missed during his spell on the sidelines.
The good news for Hull fans is that his recovery appears to be progressing. If his rehabilitation stays on track, Ajayi is expected to be in contention for a return against Watford on September 27.
Until then, the Tigers will have to find a way to steady their defence without their new defensive anchor.
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