Former West Brom striker issues cautious message over Daryl Dike

The American forward arrived at the Baggies in January, but suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for several weeks. 

Dike joined from MLS side Orlando City at the start of the winter transfer window, but has only been available to make one start and one substitute appearance.

Phillips is cautious of bringing Dike back into the side too soon as he is wary of the player doing further harm to his body and thus ensuring another absence from the team. 

The ex-West Brom forward has claimed that Bruce will need to ease him back into the side once he is available for selection. 

“He has to [find that balance],” said Phillips, via West Brom News.

“Being a manager myself now, you’ve got to be very cautious, of course, listen to your medical and sports science team.

“The last thing you want to do is rush someone and they break down, then you can miss them for the rest of the season, so it will be a case of returning gradually.

“Karlan Grant is scoring goals, so that has taken a little bit of pressure off.”

Dike has yet to feature for Bruce, who took over from Valerien Isamel at the start of February.

The club’s form has seen them fall down the table and out of favour in the race to make the play-offs. 

The Baggies are now 14th in the Championship table, seven points behind sixth place Sheffield United. 

Up next for Bruce’s side is the visit of Fulham to the Hawthorns this evening. 

Dike is nearing his return to the side, with Bristol City a potential comeback game for the forward.

But Phillips is right that caution will be needed and that Dike will have to be eased back into action.

Dike struggled for fitness when he arrived in January due to his lack of a pre-season given MLS’ different calendar schedule.

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