West Bromwich Albion could be without defender Semi Ajayi for several weeks and he is touch and go to make it back before the World Cup in Qatar.

The Lowdown: Bruce worries...

Baggies boss Steve Bruce is looking to guide his side out of the Championship by the end of this 2022/2023 campaign as they seek to make it back to England's top flight.

However, the former Newcastle manager has been dealt a few injury concerns - most notably surrounding striker Daryl Dike, Kean Bryan and Ajayi.

West Brom are unbeaten in their last five second tier matches but it isn't all good news with four of them being draws and Bruce having only come away with one victory over that period.

The Latest: Ajayi update...

Birmingham Live estimate that Ajayi could be out for 'weeks' and it's hit and miss whether he will be available again before Qatar.

Sharing the West Brom manager's comments , Bruce also stated:

"He's twisted his ankle badly. These things happen. It's him now and Dike.

"The games are coming thick and fast and there lies another one - we've unfortunately lost a big player. His knee is okay. Whether it was nerve damage from the ankle, we've scanned them both. He's gonna be a few weeks. It's ligament damage."

The Verdict: Big blow...

A colossal defensive presence, Ajayi started every game this season under Bruce before his latest problem.

As per WhoScored, the 28-year-old comes as a crucial asset at the back, having won more aerial duels per 90 than any West Brom player this season on average.

Ajayi has also managed their second-highest rate of clearances per game, and if they don't get him back before the World Cup this winter, he'll certainly be a sore miss.

Bruce has also lavished the defender for his pace. calling him 'quick' and 'powerful', and these physical traits are a seriously useful asset in such a physically competitive division.