The Missing Piece
In the quiet corridors of The Hawthorns, West Brom’s interim head coach Chris Brunt paced nervously. The news of Josh Maja’s injury had struck like a hammer blow. Their top scorer, with 12 league goals this season, was set for surgery on a lower leg injury. His absence, likely to stretch into the spring, left a gaping hole in the Baggies’ attack and cast a shadow over their Championship campaign.

Maja’s resurgence this season had been nothing short of remarkable. After missing last year due to two debilitating ankle injuries, the 26-year-old Nigerian international had returned stronger, becoming not only the team’s leading scorer but also the heart of their attacking play. Yet now, just when West Brom needed him most, they faced the daunting task of soldiering on without their talisman.

“It’s Not Just His Goals”
Brunt’s voice carried a mix of frustration and admiration as he spoke to BBC Radio WM about Maja’s contributions. “It’s not just his goals, it’s his overall play too,” he explained. “He’s been in great form for us this season, and with our struggles to score, his absence is a massive blow.”

Maja’s knack for finding the back of the net and his ability to link play had been crucial for West Brom, who are also grappling with uncertainty in their leadership. The club has been without a permanent head coach since Carlos Corberan’s departure on Christmas Eve, relying instead on a caretaker team comprising Brunt, Damia Abella, and Boaz Myhill. Despite this, the interim trio had managed to steady the ship, securing five points from four matches.

A Team in Transition
As West Brom prepared for a pivotal clash against Stoke City on Saturday, the challenge ahead was clear: adapt and persevere without their star striker. Maja’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, with the team striving to climb the Championship table and find stability amidst managerial changes.

For Maja himself, the injury marked another cruel twist in his journey. The Nigerian forward had fought back from adversity before, proving his resilience after a tough spell on the sidelines. Brunt expressed his hope for a speedy recovery, knowing how much the striker’s return would mean to the team and the fans.

Looking Ahead
Until Maja’s return in the spring, West Brom will need to find alternative ways to threaten opposition defenses. The responsibility now falls on the squad to step up, fill the void, and keep their campaign alive. For Brunt and his team, it’s a test of resourcefulness and resilience in the face of mounting challenges.