West Bromwich Albion’s Championship campaign has suffered a significant setback as top scorer Josh Maja faces weeks on the sidelines due to a lower leg injury.
Interim head coach Chris Brunt has admitted that Maja’s absence is a massive blow to the club’s ambitions, leaving the Baggies scrambling for solutions at a crucial point in the season, footballrover reports.
Josh Maja’s injury deals massive blow to West Brom’s promotion hopes
The Super Eagles star, who has been in stellar form with 12 league goals this season, is set to undergo surgery, ruling him out for several weeks.
His injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for West Brom, who are still without a permanent head coach following Carlos Corberan’s departure on Christmas Eve.
Despite a decent run under interim management, securing five points from a possible 12, the absence of Maja’s attacking presence leaves a glaring gap.
Brunt emphasised that it’s not just Maja’s goals that will be missed but also his ability to lead the frontline effectively.
Given the team’s ongoing struggles to score, losing their most consistent threat is undoubtedly a huge blow to their promotion chase.
“It’s not just his goals; it’s his overall play too. After missing last year with two bad ankle injuries, he’s been in great form for us this season. It’s been well documented that we haven’t scored enough goals this season anyway, and to be without him now is a massive blow,” Brunt told BBC Radio WM.
Brunt faces tough task as West Brom struggles without Josh Maja
Chris Brunt now faces the daunting challenge of keeping West Brom competitive in the Championship without their star striker.
Maja’s injury is especially disheartening after his hard-fought return from two severe ankle injuries last season.
The Nigerian international had become a vital part of the team’s attack, and his absence disrupts the club’s momentum.
With a critical fixture against Stoke City approaching, the pressure is mounting for Brunt to find a way forward.
The club hopes to have Josh Maja back by spring, but until then, the team must navigate this tough period without their top scorer.
Failing to adapt quickly could jeopardise the team’s promotion hopes, making this injury truly a major setback to their season.
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