Carlos Corberan shares Daryl Dike fitness update ahead of Blackburn clash in new ‘patient’ West Brom verdict
Carlos Corberan has shared an update on Daryl Dike’s availability, suggesting that the West Brom striker won’t be fit to start the Baggies’ Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers.
Albion welcome Rovers to The Hawthorns on Saturday (13 January) as Corberan’s side look to get back to winning ways in the Championship having lost 1-0 to Swansea last time out.
Dike made his return from injury to start and score in the Baggies’ 4-1 FA Cup win over Aldershot Town but was substituted at halftime as he was eased back into action, however, the American forward isn’t ready to start for Albion in the Championship.
As quoted by Birmingham Live (12 January) he said: “On Sunday he proved he can play 45 minutes against a level of opponent who’ll demand something different from the Championship teams. Is he ready to be a starting player for a Championship match right now? I don’t think so.
“He’s a player that, for now, his time will come from the bench. How long? We’ll see how quickly he adapts. Is he making a normal week of training? No.
“Dike didn’t make a normal training today. Why? Because he cannot make a full normal week yet. How long is it going to be like this? It depends on how his body reacts, adapts and that’s why, with Dike, we need to be patient and manage him.
“Is he ready to play from the bench? Yes. He played 45 minutes from the start last week, but this is different to how you approach a league game.”
Take your time
West Brom are experiencing a bit of an injury crisis at The Hawthorns currently and Corberan cannot afford to lose any more players to the treatment table over the next couple of weeks.
Dike is one player that has struggled with injury more than any other in the Baggies’ squad this season and it would be incredibly naive of Corberan to throw the American straight back into the fold and risk him picking up further injury.
The 23-year-old was impressive against Aldershot in the FA Cup, but West Brom won that game comfortably without even needing to break a sweat. It wasn’t a true test of just how fit and ready Dike is to play regular Championship football.
Brandon Thomas-Asante can lead the line against Blackburn on Saturday and Dike will be available from the bench if he’s needed to be called upon. Supporters would obviously like to see their star striker from the off, but it would be an unnecessary risk.
In other West Brom, one player has been ruled out of the Baggies’ clash with Blackburn Rovers completely with injury