Sam Parkin reacts to ‘incredible’ Daryl Dike development after West Brom 2-1 v Stoke City
Sam Parkin has reacted after Daryl Dike was forced off for West Brom during the Baggies’ 2-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday.
A Jayson Molumby brace saw Albion come from behind to seal a valuable three points to keep their playoff dream very much alive.
However, the win in The Potteries was marred by a nasty Achilles injury to Dike, who could now be set for a long spell on the sidelines, a talking point which was highlighted by Parkin on ITV’s EFL highlights show.
“The downside of today is obviously Daryl Dike, who has had such incredible bad luck with injuries,” said Parkin (ITV EFL highlights, 49m 10s, 15 April).
Rotten luck
This looks really bad for Dike. Achilles injuries can often be severe and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the American missed the rest of the 2022/23 season. He was absent for the first half of the campaign and certainly made an impact on his return to the squad.
With the season coming to a close and Dike likely to be unavailable, it’s a golden chance for the 22-year-old to regain full fitness before the start of the 2023/24 season. In fact, picking up an injury towards the end of the season is probably a good thing.
It means he won’t miss too much action due to there being a break in just a matter of weeks’ time and it will allow the striker to recover without the pressure of competitive matches looming over his head.
For Carlos Corberan, he has to plan without Dike in mind. West Brom have given themselves a chance of making the top six and it’s one that cannot be passed up.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have started plans for the summer window as they’ve sent scouts to track an in-demand defender with an exit on the cards.