Gutted Town forward lost for words as his campaign is ended by hip injury
Adebayo won’t feature for the Hatters again this season
Striker Elijah Adebayo has been left lost for words after learning his season is over due to a hip injury.
The 28-year-old had only just made his way back to fitness for the Hatters after missing almost a year due to damaging his ACL in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United when Luton were a Championship side, as he came on during the 2-1 victory at Wycombe Wanderers recently, getting one of the biggest ovations of the season from the near 1,500 away supporters in attendance at Adams Park.
Adebayo, who has scored 47 goals in 184 appearances for Town since arriving from Walsall in January 2021, part of the side who made their way from League One to the Premier League, then got another run-out off the bench as the Hatters beat Exeter City 3-2 at Kenilworth Road last Tuesday night, brought on for the final 13 minutes.
However, he quickly looked to be struggling, holding his hip during his time on the field, as he wasn’t included in the squad by boss Jack Wilshere when Luton drew 1-1 against Stockport County on Saturday. With the club announcing earlier on today that Adebayo had undergone surgery which saw his season ended before it had really begun, it means that he won’t be able to help Luton in their bid to reach the play-offs, or feature at Wembley again when Town head to the home of English football in the Vertu Trophy final next month.
Writing on Instagram, Adebayo said: “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!”
Replying on the Luton Town official X page, @LutonTownExile said: “Gutted. Glad I saw him back in the shirt if only for 20 mins. Won’t see him in it again. A lot don’t rate him but as a player & a man he has been class. Ten PL goals in 27 games, a lot of those off the bench. He was on Ross Barkley’s wavelength. There is no greater compliment.”
@Larrick023: “All the best Eli. Life can be a right pain in the arse sometimes. Stay strong. Hope you recover well and are able to get going again for preseason. Take care.” @BedfordHatter: “Was always going to pick up other knocks. Good luck to Eli seems a lovely bloke.” @kevinrademeyer: “This is really really disappointing!! Devastating for the magic man @EliSaint4.”
@alexnewby3: “Poor chap. Fingers crossed for next season.” @brandon71562940: “Such a shame, hope you recover fast Eli. Hopefully see you back next season.” @MegaDarkFlames: “It's a real shame, and wishing for his recovery. @CarolDowse33917: “Sad news, come back strong Elijah.” @SSE_LTFC: “That's a massive shame.” @dublinhatter: “Very sad news, look after yourself Eli, I wish you a very speedy recovery.”