'He should be okay' – West Brom boss delivers positive update on Maja pre-Blackburn

West Bromwich Albion head coach Ryan Mason has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Nigerian forward Josh Maja, as the Baggies gear up for their Championship season opener against Blackburn Rovers next weekend.

Maja, who underwent surgery in January following a long-term injury, has yet to feature in preseason action and was seen on the sidelines during West Brom’s 3-2 friendly win over Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Despite his absence on the pitch, Mason remains optimistic about the striker’s availability for the start of the campaign.

"Obviously, he's had an extremely long time out,” Mason told Express and Star after the final whistle.

 "He's got to a good place and he just felt a little something, so hopefully it's nothing serious and he should be OK for the start of the season.”

The 26-year-old was a standout performer before his injury, finishing last season as West Brom’s top scorer with 12 goals in 26 league appearances.

His form was a bright spark in the Baggies' promotion push, which ultimately faltered in his absence, with the club missing out on a playoff spot.

With just six days remaining until the league curtain-raiser, Mason will be hoping for Maja’s swift return as the club aims to mount a serious challenge for promotion back to the Premier League.

Adeyemi Adewale

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