Journo shares ‘big blow’ concern for West Brom amid Josh Maja injury fear
West Brom are facing a “big blow” if striker Josh Maja is ruled out of action with the injury sustained against Bristol City, according to journalist Ollie Westbury.
Maja was introduced as a second-half substitute at Ashton Gate on Saturday [16 September] and was unable to help Albion make the breakthrough in a game that finished goalless.
The Nigeria international was involved in a big talking point late on in the game as he was sent to the ground inside the box by Kai Naismith, but no penalty was awarded.
Maja appeared to sustain an injury in the challenge with Naismith, but the extent of the damage is unknown at this stage.
In a review of the game for the Express & Star [18 September], Westbury said: “Arguably Baggies could have had a penalty when Maja was clattered in the final minute of stoppage time, but it was not a decision [Carlos] Corberan felt particularly strongly about.
“More concerning for Albion would be the injury Maja picked up from the challenge, it saw him hobble off at full-time assisted by WBA medical staff.
“With the forward only just getting up to speed fitness-wise and impressing so much at the weekend, it would be a big blow to lose him for a considerable period of time.”
Start him
Maja has yet to start a Championship game for Albion since arriving in the summer, with all five of his appearances to date coming from the substitutes’ bench.
Despite playing just 101 minutes of football for the Baggies, the 24-year-old’s quality has been clear to see at times.
Indeed, Corberan described Maja as “excellent” following the stalemate in Bristol and claimed it would be difficult to find another striker at this level who is better at linking play.
It therefore begs the question of just how long will it be until Maja starts a game? Brandon Thomas-Asante has made himself Corberan’s go-to man up top, but there is no reason Maja cannot be slotted in as well.
After failing to break down Bristol City, a quick turnaround in matches this week may well result in Maja starting against Watford on Wednesday [20 September].
That all depends on the player’s fitness, of course, but hopefully the knock sustained at the weekend is not serious enough to keep him out of action.
In other West Brom news, Corberan has explained some of his selection calls against Bristol City.