‘Been a long year’ - USMNT star Daryl Dike reacts to West Brom return after 12 months out in Achilles injury nightmare

The powerful frontman stepped off the bench in the Baggies’ 1-1 draw at Millwall. He was given the final 15 minutes at The Den, with fitness having been built up steadily over recent weeks in training and across U21 appearances.

Dike has returned after 12 months stuck on the sidelines with an Achilles injury. The 24-year-old has also endured hamstring and calf complaints during his time with West Brom, restricting him to just 33 appearances on the back of a 2022 transfer from MLS side Orlando City.

The hope is that fitness problems are finally being left in the past, allowing Dike to rediscover the kind of form that has allowed the Oklahoma native to win 10 senior caps for his country. His last goal at club level was recorded on January 7, 2024.

Dike is pleased to be doing his day job again, posting on social media after returning to the West Brom fold under experienced coach Tony Mowbray: “Been long year without doing what I love. Lots of prayers and work has been put into this. Sooooo happy to be back playing.”

Dike is a proven performer in the Championship, having helped Barnsley to the play-offs in 2020-21 while registering seven goals for the Baggies in 2022-23, and has rejoined a squad that sits sixth in the second-tier table as things stand.