West Brom dealt major injury blow as Stoke City old boy needs surgery
West Brom have been dealt a significant blow as striker Josh Maja is ruled out for several weeks with a lower leg injury.
The former Stoke City loan forward has scored 12 goals in 26 appearances this season to spearhead Albion's play-off hopes - and reportedly catch the eye of a number of Premier League clubs - but the 26-year-old now faces a spell on the sidelines as he needs surgery, ruling him out until the spring.
A statement from the Baggies said: “Josh Maja is set to be out for several weeks after sustaining a lower leg injury. The 26-year-old striker will undergo surgery in the coming days before entering a period of rehabilitation.
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“Albion hope to have Maja back in contention during the spring. Everyone at the club wishes Josh well in his recovery.”
Chris Brunt, Boaz Myhill, and Damia Abella, who are in caretaker charge ahead of a Championship clash with Stoke at the Hawthorns on Saturday (3pm), used Grady Diangana and Karlan Grant up front in last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth.
Maja has been the focal point of West Brom’s attack this season with Daryl Dike out injured. Karlan Grant has scored six in 26, while Devante Cole is yet to find the net, having made 12 appearances.
Maja’s absence could force Albion, who are currently sixth in the Championship, into the transfer market this month but they are already looking for a new boss after Carlos Corberan's exit to Valencia. Rene Hake is now favourite to get the job, followed by ex-Stoke head coach Steven Schumacher.
Stoke are also taking on West Brom in the FA Youth Cup tonight, with live updates here from the bet365 Stadium.
