Chukwueze, Ajayi Close to Return After Injury as Fulham and Hull Receive Boost

Super Eagles pair Samuel Chukwueze and Semi Ajayi are nearing a return from injury after their managers confirmed positive progress ahead of key league fixtures this weekend and early next week.

Both players have missed recent matches for their clubs, but updates from Fulham and Hull City suggest they are now close to competitive action. The development is a welcome sign for their sides and for Nigerian football followers tracking their form in England.

Fulham manager Marco Silva said Chukwueze had resumed training before Sunday’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur. The winger sat out Fulham’s 3-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last weekend, but Silva indicated the 28-year-old is back in contention.

“Saša Lukić, Chukwueze and the others have been in and out of contention. But they’ve had a good week,” Silva said on Fulham’s official webpage, adding that final availability decisions would come after another training session.

Chukwueze moved to Fulham on loan from AC Milan in the summer and has been one of the club’s brighter attacking options. In 13 Premier League appearances, he has recorded three goals and four assists, numbers that underline his influence in the final third. His possible return could strengthen Fulham as they try to build on momentum from their latest win.

In the Championship, Hull City coach Sergej Jakirović gave a similarly hopeful report on Ajayi. The Nigerian defender has been absent for several games, including meetings with Preston North End, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers, Watford, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers and Derby County.

“He trained with us normally today, which is great news,” Jakirović told Hull Live. “We will see if he’s with us in Portsmouth or will be in the squad at Ipswich on Tuesday.”

Ajayi, signed by Hull last summer, has made 12 league appearances and scored once. His aerial strength, experience and organisation at the back have been missed during his layoff. With Hull pushing for promotion to the Premier League, his return would arrive at an important point in their campaign.