Luton Town will not face West Brom‘s leading goalscorer Josh Maja this weekend, as injury has ruled him out of the pivotal final-day clash.
West Brom caretaker boss James Morrison has confirmed that striker Maja will not feature in the club’s final game of the season against the relegation-threatened Hatters despite returning to training following a long-term injury.
EFL Championship
Injury Decisions and Future Planning Take Priority
The 26-year-old, who leads Albion’s scoring charts with 12 goals this term, has been sidelined since January after undergoing surgery for a lower leg injury. While Maja has resumed training on grass, Morrison has ruled out any involvement in Saturday’s lunchtime fixture, opting to prioritise the striker’s long-term fitness over a hasty return.
“We are not going to risk him (Maja) at this moment but he is training well on the grass and all that. I feel like, for him being out a long time, there’s no point in risking it. He can get a good pre-season under his belt and come back firing,” said Morrison.
The fixture at The Hawthorns, broadcast live on Sky Sports, marks a must-win for the Hatters, who will start the day one place above the drop zone. However, failure to win, or match Hull City and Plymouth’s results, would see Matt Bloomfield’s side relegated.
It’s not all good news; while Maja sits this one out, Morrison did suggest more involvement for United States international Daryl Dike. The powerful forward has been gradually reintegrated into the squad since February following another lengthy injury absence. Dike, who has struggled with fitness throughout his Albion career, has largely featured from the bench due to a carefully managed training schedule.
Morrison’s response when asked if Dike might have a bigger role was brief but telling: “The simple answer is yes – he’s in my mind yes.”
Other Baggies Injuries
Elsewhere, a number of squad fitness issues could shape Albion’s team selection. Captain Jed Wallace remains a doubt due to calf discomfort, while midfielder Jayson Molumby is available again after illness. Danish winter signing Tammer Bany has returned to full training following a hamstring problem but was deemed unready to feature in last weekend’s draw at Cardiff.
With Albion’s season concluding in mid-table mediocrity, Morrison may also offer opportunities to youth players. Promising midfielder Harry Whitwell is expected to be in the squad again, having been an unused substitute in Wales.
Writer’s View
From a Luton Town perspective, the news that Josh Maja will not feature is a timely boost as they head into a must-win clash to avoid relegation. Maja’s absence removes one of West Brom’s most potent attacking threats, easing some of the pressure on the Hatters’ defence.
While Daryl Dike remains a physical presence, his lack of recent starts means Luton will likely face a frontline lacking sharpness. For Matt Bloomfield’s men, every marginal gain matters—and facing a weakened Albion attack could be the difference between staying up and dropping into League One.
