The Tigers’ injury woes continue to cause Sergej Jakirovic worry
Semi Ajayi has been a pivotal figure so far for Nigeria in AFCON(Image: Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Hull City are considering changing their transfer approach in the final 10 days of the winter window after losing Semi Ajayi to injury.
The powerful defender is set to be sidelined for the next seven weeks with an injury he sustained in the third-placed play-off game at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday. News of Ajayi’s injury is a major blow to City, who moved up to fourth in the Championship on Tuesday night with an impressive 3-0 win at play-off rivals Preston North End.
Ajayi had already missed seven City games during Nigeria’s run to the last four of the tournament in Morocco, but is now expected to be out until March with another hamstring setback.
City have John Egan, Charlie Hughes and Akin Famewo as their three central defenders, while teenager Cathal McCarthy can also operate in the back line.
Despite that, however, boss Sergej Jakirovic is considering his options in the final days of the window, and will now look at possible cover options.
The problem for City, is the size of their squad, and to bring somebody in to cover for Ajayi, there would have to be a departure, which further complicates the situation for Jakirovic.
Kasey Palmer’s move to League One side Luton Town has now been announced after the Jamaican midfielder completed a medical in Bedfordshire. Palmer’s exit does not free up the space that is needed, with another departure necessary for City to add a further option to their defensive line after the club completed one deal and are on the cusp of adding two more before the weekend is out.
The Tigers will shortly confirm the arrival of Toby Collyer from Manchester United, and a move to bring Kieran Dowell to the MKM Stadium has been agreed with Rangers. That’s expected to be wrapped up in the next 48 hours with the ex-Everton youngster believed to be in East Yorkshire to sign his contract with the Tigers.
City have so far added exciting Japan international winger Yu Hirakawa to their ranks and he made a thrilling start to his City career by teeing up Oli McBurnie for the third goal at Deepdale.
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