West Brom journalist for Birmingham Live Joe Chapman has shared that Semi Ajayi has undergone surgery ahead of their game at home to Birmingham City.

The Lowdown: Five absentees

As Steve Bruce has confirmed, Ajayi is one of five players missing for the match against Midlands rivals Birmingham in the Championship tonight, with new signings Martin Kelly and Tom Rogic lacking match fitness while Kean Bryan and Daryl Dike are long-term absentees.

Ajayi has missed the last three games in the division through injury, after only lasting 20 minutes in their 1-1 draw away at Wigan Athletic in August (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Ajayi surgery

Taking to Twitter, Chapman has shared that Ajayi has now undergone surgery on his ankle, and is unlikely to make another appearance until after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar:

"Semi Ajayi has undergone surgery on his ankle - as things stand, he'll do well to make a return before the World Cup break."

The Verdict: Big blow

Of course, after already losing him for their last three matches, it is another big blow for the Baggies that Ajayi has now had to undergo surgery, and will therefore likely be ruled out for the next few months.

The Nigeria international has won more aerial duels per game than any of his teammates in the Championship so far this season, and he also ranks highly in terms of average tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks per game (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Albion will certainly miss his presence in the dressing room as they take on Birmingham tonight, and are sure to miss his leadership on the pitch over the next set of fixtures.