West Brom forward Josh Maja has been ruled out for eight weeks after injuring his ankle in the 0-0 draw with Bristol City, according to the club’s official website.
Maja tore his ankle ligaments during a powerful tackle in the Championship match, according to a Baggies statement, and will resume his recovery after a brief period of rest.
It’s also been revealed that the club’s medical staff believes the Nigerian forward will be able to return to first-team training after the international break in November, giving a more precise time frame for his recuperation.
A crushing defeat for the Baggies.
Maja’s cameo effort off the bench would almost likely have earned him a starting berth in the lineup to play Watford at Vicarage Road on Wednesday 20 September if it hadn’t been for the injury suffered in the last seconds against Bristol City.
Maja had joined in the summer when his contract with Bordeaux ended, and had been training with the rest of the team to get back to full fitness. He was still expecting his first appearance for the club after missing the most of pre-season.
Now, however, the striker will have to wait at least another eight weeks before making his debut at The Hawthorns, in a situation that will be a shattering blow both to his first-team dreams and to the club, with Maja’s name the latest on the long-term injury list.
Carlos Corberan recently stated how impressed he has been with Maja since his arrival, with his attitude and effort in training placing him in position for a more consistent role in the team; the club now hopes that he may return in due time and continue to perform.