Maja joined West Brom last summer, but the striker has had a difficult first season at The Hawthorns.
The 25-year-old has been plagued by injuries, and he has only played 10 games this season. Maja returned in the midweek win over Rotherham United, featuring for seven minutes from the bench as Carlos Corberan’s side triumphed 2-0.
The appearance appears to put him in line for a game against old club Sunderland this weekend. However, West Brom are taking a different approach to his recuperation.
Speaking before of the game (as published by the Express and Star), Corberan noted that while Maja would not play against the Black Cats, he will take a significant step forward in his fitness recovery with a start for the U21s against Manchester City tonight.
Corberan confirmed that the previously unwell Jed Wallace would be ready against Sunderland.
“Maja will play tonight with the U21s if Wallace’s training goes well, he feels entirely fine, and everyone is available from the previous game.
He requires this game time, which we are unable to provide in any other manner, from both the physical and coaching staffs; it is exactly what he requires if we want to see him contribute to the team.
“Sometimes we need to, say, sacrifice one game to assist him get ready. If you do not make this sacrifice, it may take two months to make him available to play since, as we all know, he has been injured since the Sunderland game, so a lot of months are required.”
Maja has been away for so long that West Brom must proceed with caution in his comeback. If they believe a U21s appearance is a better route for him to return to starting games, it seems prudent to prioritise that over an immediate return to the rigours of Championship football.
It could have been a suitable manner for Maja to return after making his breakthrough with Sunderland. He scored 17 goals and provided two assists in 49 games for their first team, the most of which came during their League One difficulties.
The hope is that Maja will go through this start unscathed and play a role for the Baggies in the later stages of the season.
He will provide crucial depth up front as West Brom attempt to secure a play-off berth and return to the Premier League.
