Hull City have confirmed that Semi Ajayi will not be available when the Tigers face Southampton this weekend.

The Super Eagles defender is still sidelined by a hamstring injury, leaving the Tigers short of defensive strength at a critical stage of the season, Footballrover reports.

Semi Ajayi injury blow for Hull City defence

Dean Holden, Hull City’s assistant manager, revealed the update during his pre-match press conference.

Ajayi has been missing since the Championship opener against Coventry City, where he impressed in a goalless draw before picking up the injury.

The setback has already ruled him out of four league matches and Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Holden confirmed Ajayi’s absence against Southampton, explaining that the club is taking a careful approach.

— “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,” Holden told Hull Live.

Super Eagles star ruled out but set for return soon

Ajayi joined Hull City on a free transfer this summer after six years at West Brom, but fans are yet to see him fully establish himself at his new club.

Without his leadership, Hull’s defence has struggled, conceding 11 goals in their last four Championship games.

However, Holden stressed patience:

— “It’s just making sure that once they come back in, they’re ready to stay in. That’s the key thing for us, and we’re all desperate to have all those guys back.”

The hope is that Ajayi will be fit in time for Hull’s game against Watford on September 27. That return could not come soon enough, as the Tigers continue to leak goals without him.

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Last Updated on September 19, 2025 1:42 pm by footballrover