View: Steve Bruce needs to rethink West Brom stance on Daryl Dike
Steve Bruce is desperate for his star striker Daryl Dike to be completely fit and raring to go ahead of what is a huge season for him and West Brom next campaign.
The Baggies boss hasn’t had the chance to use the American since taking charge of the club in February with the 21-year-old suffering a torrid time with injuries so far in his Albion career.
With the USA playing four games a mere matter of weeks before the Baggies’ pre-season is set to start, Bruce insisted he would speak to Gregg Berhalter to not include the striker, as per Birmingham Live.
However, if Dike makes his full recovery he could certainly play some part with his national team and it could be a huge boost for Albion too.
Mini pre-season
Pre-season for the youngster is vital. He has barely kicked a ball for months with the MLS season finishing several weeks before he made his move to England.
If – and that is a big if – the striker is fit by the start of June he could train with his national team.
What better way for him to blow off some cobwebs before pre-season than playing some football?
The former Orlando star could do some light training with the team and not feature in the games, it is as simple as that.
Bruce is worried about him re-injuring himself ahead of what is a hugely important season but two weeks isn’t going to make much of a difference.
What is more important is Dike coming good at West Brom next season. He was tipped to be the final piece of the puzzle under Valerien Ismael and injuries have massively hindered his Hawthorns career so far.
The former Barnsley man needs to hit the ground running next season and having a mini pre-season ahead of a full-blown one with the Baggies could be exactly what he needs.
In other West Brom news, View: The Baggies must pursue Sean Dyche as their new manager after he was reportedly added to their wanted list.
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