USMNT's Daryl Dike admits he can't 'wrap his head' around new Achilles injury which sees him ruled out of Copa America 2024 - with West Brom's Jed Wallace sharing lockerroom statement pledging support
USMNT star Daryl Dike has confirmed that he suffered another injury setback over the weekend - just one month after returning from Achilles surgery.
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USMNT's Dike confirms new Achilles injury
Releases personal statement of grief and support
Teammate Wallace posts lockerroom-issued pledge
WHAT HAPPENED?
The striker admitted he has been "moved to tears" by the positive messages and responses he has received online and in-person since suffering another tragic setback on Saturday. Just 10 minutes into his cameo off the bench, the 23-year-old striker went down with another Achilles injury - just one month after his return to the pitch following a nine-month layoff due to Achilles surgery.
West Bromwich Albion confirmed that the American is set to be sidelined until the end of 2024 with a "serious Achilles injury", meaning he will miss the upcoming Copa America.
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WHAT DIKE SAID
In a personal statement posted on social media, Dike expressed that he cannot "wrap his head around" the latest injury, but has been overwhelmed by support. He vows to be back "playing football and being happy", too.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
West Brom teammate Jed Wallace posted a message, on behalf of the West Brom lockerroom, pledging support for their striker during this tough time. The statement expresses concern and love for their American teammate, with the Englishman describing WBA as a "family club" and a "tight-knit lockerroom."
Since moving to West Brom in January, 2022, Dike has only made 32 appearances for the Championship side as a result of injury. He's scored eight goals across all competitions during that span.
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WHAT NEXT FOR DIKE?
For now, it's a period of processing and understanding for the forward, with rehabilitation and surgery to come. However, another year on the sideline is awful, awful news for the USMNT striker, who will now miss both the Copa America and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.