West Brom striker Daryl Dike is expected to miss the rest of the 2021/22 season through injury, reliable journalist Joseph Masi has confirmed.
The Lowdown: Dike missing for months
The American joined the Baggies from Orlando City during the January transfer window, seen as someone who could spearhead their promotion charge.
Instead, Dike made just two Championship appearances totalling 84 minutes before picking up a hamstring injury, and he hasn't featured at all since.
While it has been hoped that the 21-year-old could return before the end of the season, a worrying update has now emerged ahead of this weekend's clash with Birmingham City.
The Latest: Masi provide negative update
Taking to Twitter on Friday, Masi claimed that Dike's season looks set to be over, following an update from manager Steve Bruce in his pre-Birmingham press conference:
"Steve Bruce just held his pre-Blues presser. Daryl Dike unfortunately is unlikely to play this season. Bruce offered him the chance to do his rehabilitation in America but Dike wanted to stay."
The Verdict: Enormous blow for Baggies
West Brom's season has gone from promising to disastrous and this is a major setback in a campaign that is increasingly becoming one to forget.
Dike showed what a force he can be in the Championship with Barnsley last season, scoring nine goals in 14 starts, and without his goal threat, it is hard to see Bruce's side getting back into the playoff picture.
The hope is that the youngster is back fully fit for the start of next season, at which point he will be primed to be one of the Championship's leading strikers.