West Brom camp in Spain crucial to restoring Daryl Dike and Semi Ajayi – BBC journalist
West Brom have seen the warm weather training camp in Spain play a pivotal part in the re-integration of Daryl Dike and Semi Ajayi after long injury layoffs, according to BBC journalist Rob Gurney.
The Baggies are 21st in the Championship after a dismal start to the season but won three consecutive matches – paired with clean sheets – after the arrival of Carlos Corberan as manager.
During the World Cup break, the Spanish manager was provided with a further boost by the timely returns of marquee centre-forward Dike and 29-year-old Ajayi, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury.
BBC Radio WM’s Albion reporter Gurney believes the pair will play an integral part in Corberan’s second half of the season, with the World Cup break the ideal opportunity to nurture them to full fitness.
He said: “A week’s warm weather training in Spain has helped Daryl Dike and Semi Ajayi reintegrate after long injury absences. Dike’s physicality up top, coupled with Ajayi’s pace defensively will be key components moving into the second half of the season.
“For me, if Albion can pick up where they left off a month ago, a play-off push certainly can’t be ruled out.”
Big boost
The return of this highly influential duo can’t be underestimated.
A potential strike partnership of Dike and Brandon Thomas-Asante could prove to be extremely fruitful, with the latter hitting a rich vein of form before the World Cup break and Dike possessing a much-desired clinical edge in front of goal.
This front line will give Championship defences nightmares, with power, pace and potent finishing found in abundance in the pair.
Ajayi has recently been plagued with injuries but possesses the quality to become a mainstay in Corberan’s defence.
The Nigerian has featured 80 times since his £1.5 million move in 2019 and is a towering menace at both attacking and defensive set pieces – having netted an impressive eight goals.
The centre-back could prove himself a perfect foil to the resurgent Kyle Bartley in the heart of the Baggies’ defence, and it will be interesting to see if he features against Sunderland after training with the first team in Spain.
In other news, West Brom are in the hunt to sign Ryan Porteous after some reported Rangers interest.