West Brom manager Steve Bruce provides Daryl Dike injury update and hints at new striker

It’s yet more bad news for West Brom’s big money striker.

West Brom manager Steve Bruce says they can already tell that striker Daryl Dike’s latest injury is ‘bad enough’ despite not yet learning the full severity of the problem.

The Albion boss also adds that regardless of the nature of the newest problem, it has had him reassessing transfer plans ahead of the window shutting on September 1.

West Bromwich Albion Manager Steve Bruce looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Northampton Town and West Bromwich AlbionWest Bromwich Albion Manager Steve Bruce looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Northampton Town and West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion Manager Steve Bruce looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Northampton Town and West Bromwich Albion
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Dike suffered a torrid first season at the Hawthorns last year due to injury and after coming through pre-season seemingly unscathed, has once again suffered a set-back in training just one week into the new campaign.

Bruce confirmed that the American forward pulled up after striking a ball and immediately clutched his thigh, something the player himself and all the staff knew was a real problem almost instantly.

“He’s young, he’s 22, desperate to go to the World Cup with his nation and he’s worked tirelessly to get right,” Bruce told Sky Sports following the 1-1 draw with Watford on Monday evening.

“Yesterday (Sunday), he kicked a ball and has done something to his thigh which didn’t look very good.

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“We’re hoping it’s not too bad, but from my experience it’s bad enough the way he pulled up. He kicked a ball, frustrating.

“He knew straightaway. He’s devastated, like all of us. We’re devastated for him because he’s really popular with the supporters because of the way he plays, and the way he is.

“It’s bad luck, really bad luck. You’ve got a 22-year-old who comes here and has never been injured, then he picks up three since he’s walked through the door last January.”

“We’ll have a conversation with Ron (Gourlay, CEO),” Bruce said when asked about bringing in a new face before the transfer window shuts later this month.

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“Plans get changed because of what’s just happened. We’ve got a hell of a schedule coming up too.

“I never like doing anything (reacting) but we may have to find something because it wasn’t an area I was looking, being honest.

“With the way we played, with the two out and out No.9s we’ve got – it’s frustrating, we’ll see what happens.”

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