Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been cleared of a hamstring injury and is expected to be included in the team for Saturday’s trip to Coventry City, giving Hull City a significant boost following their victory over Manchester United over the weekend.
After complaining of hamstring stiffness, Ajayi was withdrawn in the 64th minute of Hull’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium, raising questions about his availability.
Together with teammate goal scorer Noah Mendy, who was also withdrawn due to an adductor complaint, the defender has since passed following checks without any problems.
Sergej Jakirovic clarified that the defense adjustments had not been part of his strategy in a statement made right after the Manchester United game, before the severity of the injuries became apparent.
“Nobel was complaining about his adductor, and Ajayi was complaining about his hamstring,” he stated.
Prior to his retirement, Ajayi had had an incredible afternoon, scoring the first goal in the 17th minute as Hull shocked Manchester United in their Premier League comeback after a nine-year hiatus. Before Mendy extended Hull’s lead in the first half, the 32-year-old pounced on a rebound after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens denied Oli McBurnie from a corner.
After the game, Ajayi told TNT Sports that his goal—his first in the Premier League since Hull’s return to the league—was the culm ination of his team’s impressive start.
“It was incredible. It served as a kind of topper to our excellent start. Prior to that, we had a few opportunities that we failed to seal, but that one clearly placed us ahead and gave us something to both build around and defend,” he remarked.
“I’m eager to reach the objective so we can start.” I’m glad we ended up with three points.
Goalie Konstantinos Tzolakis made a number of vital saves as Manchester United looked for a way back into the game, but Hull held firm after taking a two-goal lead.
