Daryl Dike will be like a new signing for West Brom when he returns from his long-term injury in January, according to Carlos Corberan.
After suffering his third serious injury since moving to The Hawthorns, the American striker is yet to play this season. The 23-year-old is not anticipated to play again for the Baggies until after Christmas after suffering an Achilles rupture in April.
The Albion boss has compared the striker’s return to that of a new January arrival, rather than a return from injury, given the present financial problems at The Hawthorns and the lack of investment into Corberan’s team during the summer transfer window.
He stated: “The same process, he’s very committed with the club,” as reported by the Express & Star on October 16. Although he is really dedicated to his recuperation, his injury has lasted a very long time, therefore I do not anticipate him returning to the field until January.
“We will add to the squad in the January market,” said the coach. “He will be one of the new players for January.”
Since moving to the Midlands with the Baggies, few players have had as much bad luck with their fitness as Dike, as the potent forward has never been able to go more than a few months without suffering a serious injury.
When he rejoins the first squad, maybe he will be able to put his recent struggles behind him and reclaim the form that made him so deadly for Barnsley in the English second division on his loan from Orlando City. Another plus for West Brom fans is that Corberan is certain that the Baggies will recruit players in January. Ideally, this will include more genuine new additions rather than just a large number of players who are just there for show.
Only three new players were added to the squad without spending a dime during the summer at The Hawthorns, where the former Huddersfield Town manager was only allowed to work in the loan and free-agent markets.
Despite lacking financial support, Corberan’s team has had a strong start to the season, and there is no reason why the Baggies can’t once again compete for the play-off positions with the help of a few returning players like Dike and a few quality arrivals in January.
