Ryan Mason sends touching message of support to Daryl Dike amid latest West Brom injury blow
Daryl Dike has endured more than his fair share of bad luck when it comes to injuries at West Brom.
The Baggies striker suffered a thigh injury during pre-season, meaning he has missed the start of the new campaign.
Dike sent a heartbreaking message to West Brom supporters on TikTok, speaking of his embarrassment and sadness after the latest blow.
Now, manager Ryan Mason has sent a classy message of his own to Dike, which will provide some welcome relief.
Ryan Mason sends strong message to Daryl Dike
Dike will miss West Brom’s visit to Stoke City, but is likely to be out for even longer for the Black Country club.
Last season, the 25-year-old was unable to make an impact under various Albion managers due to injuries and that trend has continued.
- Dike made 11 Championship appearances last term
- He only managed one goal
- The striker has scored nine goals in 43 appearances for Albion
However, Mason has shown that he is an understanding boss with his latest words on the striker.
“Of course I speak to him, he’s one of my players, it’s my responsibility,” Mason said via Express & Star on 27 August.
“When you’re a player and you’re injured, it’s tough, it’s challenging because you can’t do your job.
“Obviously Dike’s in a position where he’s had to deal with another setback, but we’re all here for him, we’ve been supporting him, we’re pushing him, but also understanding there’s the psychological side as well that comes into it.
“There are so many good people at this club that are with him every step of the way, and that’s certainly our minds for all of our players, whether they’re injured, whether they’re fit, there’s the psychological side that you need to put a lot of energy into, and luckily here we’ve got so many supportive people.”
Read more: Every injury Daryl Dike has had at West Brom as USA striker speaks out about latest blow
Ryan Mason in perfect position to mentor Daryl Dike at West Brom
Mason has already made his mark at West Brom by ending the Baggies’ 279-day run without an away win.
During his playing career, the 34-year-old suffered a horror injury while playing for Hull City, which effectively forced him into early retirement.
Mason fractured his skull while playing for the Tigers after a clash of heads with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, resulting in a life-altering trauma.
His injury was so severe that he required surgery around an hour after the collision, with 14 metal plates inserted into his skull.
- Mason made 70 appearances for Tottenham
- He was forced to retire in 2018, aged 26
- The former midfielder landed a coaching role at Spurs after his retirement
While Dike has not endured the same level of injury, he has missed a wealth of matches because of his poor luck.
However, in Mason, the American has a man in the perfect position to understand and encourage him through times of need.
Of course, Dike has a long way to go before he can make a goalscoring impact at The Hawthorns, but with the right man coaching him, he could get the best out of him.
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