Daryl Dike has been an impactful player for English second-tier side West Bromwich Albion when he’s healthy, but injuries have truly hampered his time in England to date.

Two separate ruptured Achilles’ injuries paired with thigh and hamstring issues have ruled Dike out of 98 matches for the Baggies in his two years with the club, a theme which has continued into the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign. Still, the 24-year-old striker has continued to fight vigorously to get back to his best, knowing the abilities he has when he’s on the field.

Dike is still a bit away from getting back on the field for promotion-chasing West Bromwich, but has remained in good spirits mentally and physically.

“Rehab so far has been pretty good,” Dike told SBI in an interview. “In comparison to my other injuries, it’s honestly been so much better, things in the gym are a lot easier. I am outside more and not just stuck indoors. It’s definitely been a bright spot for me. Hopefully in the next month or so I will be back in full training, but I am taking it step-by-step right now and making sure I am fully ready to go when that time comes.

“After you have a lot of injuries, it’s kind of easy to get a bit upset, but the one thing I tell myself is that I still have lots of time,” Dike added. “I am 24-years-old and I know there is always going to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyday I am here, I am working to get myself into the best position so that I can play a role for the team this season.”

Dike’s most productive spell came during the 2022-23 season, where he scored seven goals over a 17-appearance span. However, a first major ACL injury ended Dike’s season abruptly, forcing him to the sidelines for most of the 2023-24 campaign.

He returned though with a bang, celebrating a goalscoring performance last January in an FA Cup victory over Aldershot Town at the Hawthorns. Unfortunately, a re-aggravated ACL injury ended his return after just five appearances, once again condemning Dike to the sidelines for another lengthy rehabilitation stint.

While many players might have been forced to seriously consider an early end to their professional careers, Dike used his past experiences and the support of the club to help him get back on track.

“That time period when I was playing and scoring goals was a great time,” Dike said. “Having those experiences add to the preparation of getting back to my best and trying to replicate those moments. It makes you want to do anything you can to do it. Maybe it’s trying new training or new techniques to get your body in better shape, but I have been doing everything I possibly can to get back to 100%.”

“Everyone here has been very supportive,” Dike said about the club’s support of him in his rehab. “They have given me the tools to help put me in the best position. That keeps me pushing to get back to my best. Injuries are major on the mental side of things so knowing that the people you’re working with are supporting you, it makes you want to give back to them and reward them for all the effort they have given you.”

Dike has mainly worked under two managers during his time at West Brom, former Manchester United legend Steve Bruce, and current head coach Carlos Corberan. Bruce was hired right after the Baggies acquired Dike in 2022, but the longtime manager eventually was sacked in October of that year.

Corberan was hired shortly after and has remained in the role ever since, winning 42 of his 89 matches in charge. The Baggies have fought to be in the promotion picture during Dike’s previous two seasons there and working under both managers has certainly benefited him in giving his best for the historic club.

“I think as a player, it’s great to always play under different managers,” Dike said. “Whether it’s been tactics or personalities, both Steve and Carlos have been good people to work for. It helps you grow as a player and I have certainly enjoyed it. Getting to know their tactics has been pretty easy and it’s certainly helped me in my career.

“West Brom is obviously a big club,” he added. “Growing up I remember them in the Premier League for multiple seasons and we just are trying to get back to those days. We have some of the top fans in England and Europe, over 20,000 here at every match and even at the away matches, you can see and hear the support, even with the rivalries against Wolves, Birmingham City and Aston Villa. It’s a great club and hopefully we can get back to the Premier League for the fans this season.”

Injuries have not only plagued Dike’s club career, but also his opportunities with the U.S. men’s national team. After helping the USMNT win the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Dike has been reduced to only two caps since then, allowing others to leapfrog him in the striker depth chart.

Gregg Berhalter rewarded Dike with several opportunities in the squad, but the program has since parted ways with Berhalter after a disappointing USMNT showing at the Copa America. Longtime European manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to become the new head coach, bringing a wealth of experience to a growing squad of talented players.

Dike might have to wait for his time to impress Pochettino, but is already excited about the opportunity to potentially do so with others in the Championship.

“I think my relationship with Gregg was great, he gave me my first cap so I will always have a soft spot for him,” Dike said. “He always wanted the best for me as a player and I wish him nothing but the best as he goes forward in his career. If the reports end up being true about Pochettino, it is a great person to have leading the program heading into the World Cup. He has a lot of experience coaching some big clubs and you can’t really ask for much more.

“You see this league is definitely getting a lot of familiar faces and I think it is great for the program,” Dike added. “You see guys like Haji [Wright], Josh [Sargent], Brenden [Aaronson] alls scoring goals this season so far, Aidan [Morris] playing a huge role for Middlesbrough, and others too. It only will make our program better by having our players play in these types of leagues and moments.”

A healthy Dike could provide a major boost for West Brom it its fight for promotion this season, especially with the grueling EFL Championship schedule. He’s averaged one goal in every four appearances to date for the club, bringing a physical work rate to the attacking side of the field.

Dike still has time to leave his mark on the 2024-25 season for the Baggies and knows that once he is back healthy, he will do everything he can to get the club trending in the right direction.

“When you’re at a club like West Brom, I don’t think you shoot for anything less,” Dike said when asked about his goals for promotion this season. “We have a good squad, we have a good coaching staff and they are all pushing for us. I think we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we weren’t aiming for promotion. We know how grueling this league can be, especially if you get stuck here for a while, so we just have to work together and I think we will be fine.”