Steve Bruce hopes injured West Brom forward Daryl Dike can make return from injury pre-World Cup
Steve Bruce is hoping that injured West Brom forward Daryl Dike can make a return to his squad before November’s break for the World Cup.
Dike suffered a thigh injury on the eve of Albion’s first home fixture in August and has yet to return to action since.
Bruce confessed that the 22-year-old has “still a way to go” in his recovery but is hopeful that the forward’s progression is heading in the right direction.
Speaking to the Express and Star, the West Brom boss had his say on Dike’s chances of playing a league fixture before the November 12 pause of fixtures.
“There’s still a way to go, still a process.
“Possibly. That’s about eight weeks (from now). Maybe, that’s a more realistic target.”
Frustrating.
The United States international would’ve been handy for Albion this campaign and his injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
It’s the forward’s second big injury setback since arriving at The Hawthorns in January for £7million; he suffered a hamstring tear that kept him out for the second half of the season.
Dike’s injury has been a massive setback for Steve Bruce’s side and in a season where goals will be desperately needed they could do with his help.
Responsibility has now fallen on the shoulders of 25-year-old Karlan Grant to grab goals for the Baggies; he’s managed four in 12 games, not bad, but not good enough.
Brandon Thomas-Asante has been a breath of fresh air since joining from Salford City and has made a bright start to life in the West Midlands, but he can’t be expected to carry the campaign on his back without help.
Hopefully, the extended break over November will do the Dike the world of good and he can catapult himself into action in the second half of the season.
In other West Brom news, Albion are struggling to sell tickets for this weekend’s match.