West Brom's Daryl Dike labelled 'inspiration' for latest injury recovery
Brandon Thomas-Asante has praised upbeat fellow striker Daryl Dike for maintaining Albion spirits during his long-term absence.
United States international frontman Dike has endured injury hell since checking in at The Hawthorns 18 months ago and is recovering from a third lengthy lay-off.
Dike, who turned 23 in June, enjoyed a watching brief over the weekend as strike partner Thomas-Asante & Co drew 2-2 at League One Burton Albion in their latest summer warm-up clash.
Dike ruptured his Achilles tendon at Stoke in April and, following successful surgery, director of medical Tony Strudwick last week confirmed he remains on course for a comeback towards the end of 2023.
Thomas-Asante said: “It is good to have him back around the place. He has been to America to see family which is good for him, and it is good to have him back.
“He has an infectious character, is always smiling and happy and it is such a benefit to the dressing room.
“We all love having him as a team-mate, I was talking to him today and he would have been itching to get out there (at Burton).
“Hopefully he can be patient and when it comes back he will give us a big boost.”
Former Orlando City and Barnsley forward Dike was watching Carlos Corberan’s side draw at Burton with Grady Diangana, who is also on his way back from injury.
Dike’s absence leaves Albion with only Thomas-Asante as a recognised senior frontline option, with youngsters Jovan Malcolm and Mo Faal involved in pre-season.
A much-needed boost to the forward department is among Corberan’s priority this summer, though Albion remain slow-movers in the market due to being hampered by the financial landscape.
Meanwhile, Thomas-Asante – who this time last year was sorting a move from League Two Salford to The Hawthorns – admits his forward colleague is helping him learn with tough sides of the game.
He added: “It is something I have to kind of understand more and learn more and I hate to see it go on with boys in terms of longer term injuries.
“It takes a strong character to bounce back in the way he has, he is not dragging the place down and it would be understandable if he was because we all love playing. If I was out for a long time I know I would struggle, but I can’t speak higher of how he has reacted, he has been so positive.
“He has inspired me with the way he has bounce back and it is a lesson to whoever.
“We will get injuries this year but if we can add to it even off the pitch like he has, we can do something good.”
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