Nigel Quashie urges West Brom to manage the minutes of Daryl Dike after his return from injury
Former West Brom midfielder Nigel Quashie has urged Carlos Corberan to monitor Daryl Dike’s game time and keep him fit after his return from a serious thigh injury.
Dike, 22, scored on his return to the Baggies side on Monday night (18 December), netting a late winner in the 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The goal was the American’s first competitive goal since his £7million transfer from Orlando City, following a torrid run of injuries over the last 12 months.
And despite his return to form, IPDA Football Academy coach Quashie issued his verdict on the striker following a post from Dike (Saturday 17 December), labelled matchday.
Quashie replied: “Just keep this man fit and monitor his training for the rest of the season because he’s a real threat.”
Slow steps
Quashie is right to be cautious about Dike’s return to the West Brom matchday squad on Monday, and the forward must be nursed back into the starting XI in the correct manner.
The American has been plagued by injuries since moving to the west midlands, and he mustn’t be rushed back into the starting XI with other great options in attack such as Brandon Thomas-Asante still available to the side.
Fans would have been watching from behind their sofas every time the striker broke into stride against the Black Cats and this will still be the case for weeks to come.
Considering the Baggies now sit just eight points from the playoff places, the American’s goals will be more and more crucial as the season comes to a close and the Baggies try and launch a challenge on the top six.
Corberan mustn’t be tempted to play Dike for more than 60 minutes against Rotherham, even if he scores, as he steps up his progression to full fitness again.