Getting star striker Daryl Dike back fit will ‘be huge’ for West Bromwich Albion as they aim to resurrect their promotion push, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 21-year-old arrived from Orlando City in a £7 million deal during the January transfer window but has seen a serious hamstring injury significantly restrict his playing time.

What is the latest news involving Dike?

Dike made a name for himself within the Football League last season when he scored nine goals in 21 Championship appearances during a six-month loan spell with Barnsley.

The USA international fired the Terriers to the play-offs for the first time in 21 years before they were dumped out in the semi-finals by Swansea City and returned to his homeland following the conclusion of 2020/21.

However, after continuing to impress in the MLS, Dike was reunited with former Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael at West Brom during the winter as they looked to boost their chances of an instant Premier League return.

Yet things didn’t go to plan for either the Baggies, Ismael or Dike. After playing just 84 minutes throughout a defeat to Queens Park Rangers and a victory over Peterborough United, the stocky forward was sidelined for several weeks through injury.

Consecutive losses followed, leading to Ismael’s dismissal, and West Brom have been largely misfiring in the absence of a proven goalscorer.

What has O’Rourke said about Dike?

West Brom scored just one goal and picked up a solitary point in their opening five league games under new boss Steve Bruce, significantly denting their hopes of a top-six finish.

Nevertheless, Dike could make his comeback following the international break, and O’Rourke believes his presence will be a big boost.

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He told GiveMeSport: “It'll be huge to get Daryl Dike back. He was a big-name signing in January, they spent a lot of money on him to lure him over from Orlando City in the MLS.

“And obviously, he was seen as the man to try and score the goals for them to try and win promotion.”

Can West Brom get promoted?

Despite their slow start under Bruce’s tutelage, West Brom have now gone four games unbeaten, collecting eight points from a possible 12.

Their recent upturn in form has seen the Midlands outfit move to six points of Blackburn Rovers, who occupy the final place in the play-off positions.

Only time will tell if West Brom can reclaim their spot in the top-flight for next season, but their fixture against Nottingham Forest on 18 April could prove to be pivotal.