Luton Town forward Elijah Adebayo has been ruled out for the remaining six weeks of the League One season with a hip injury.
It’s the latest in a string of devastating blows for the 28-year-old, with a Wembley trip on the horizon.
Adebayo had just returned from his latest setback, playing his first minutes of the campaign with appearances off the bench against Wycombe Wanderers and Exeter City.
But he was absent from the squad against Stockport County, and will play no further part in the Hatters’ third-tier season.
In the last ten days, Adebayo had spoken about returning to the national stadium, where he previously starred in the Hatters’ last appearance. Helping Luton reach the Premier League by defeating Coventry City in the Championship play-off final, he went on to hit double figures for the Bedfordshire outfit in the top-flight. Relegation was anticipated, but the clubs’ drop off in the second tier last term wasn’t.
He still bagged five times in 39 appearances before suffering an ACL injury in the penultimate month of the 24/25 campaign at Leeds United. It has been a long road to recovery for the Hatters legend, who surpassed half a decade at Kenilworth Road last month. However, the former Walsall striker will have to watch the remainder of Luton’s campaign from the sidelines, as they battle in the third tier and the Vertu Trophy.
Posting on his Instagram, Adebayo struggled to hide his disappointment at a premature end to the 25/26 campaign.
“I’m not even sure what to say. Having the feeling of being back and having it taken away, not being able to help on the pitch is devastating. Seeing all your faces and hearing that song again felt so special to me, please stick together and with the staff and the players we need you. Thank you for all words of support! I’ll be back with his grace!”
Luton Vying For League & Cup Glory
Luton will have to soldier on without Adebayo’s input for the final weeks of the campaign, as they have done all season long. Supporters of the Bedfordshire outfit will only wonder where they could have been with the 28-year-old fit and firing. In reality, a mini four-game unbeaten run has reignited their play-off aspirations, which appeared dead in the water after losing five times in nine matches earlier this year.
After recording narrow victories in the above-mentioned clashes with Wycombe and Exeter, Jack Wilshere’s outfit appeared on course for three successive victories against Stockport County. Such a result would have moved them to within two points of the Cheshire outfit, but Ollie Norwood struck a dagger in their hearts 12 minutes from time.
That leaves the gap at five points to the sides currently in fifth and sixth place, who also have games in hand. Luton have a favourable run-in on paper, until they face Bolton Wanderers on the final day, though they are likely to have booked their place in the play-offs by then. With a trip to Wembley against Stockport in the EFL Trophy Final next month, there may be a second opportunity to play under the arch if Luton can finish the season strongly.