West Brom's Josh Maja stance on injury latest as season-end nears

Top goalscorer Maja has not featured since January 4 with a lower leg injury which required surgery and was sidelined for the entirety of Tony Mowbray's three-month tenure before his dismissal on Monday.

The striker was a sorry miss for his side in the second half of the campaign after an impressive haul of 12 goals in 26 games until the turn of the year.

Maja last featured in the draw at Swansea and there was suggestion of interest in his services from other clubs in the January transfer window, but he was forced into rehabilitation.

Initial timeframes were put at six to eight weeks but as March progressed it was then revealed Maja may only play again in the play-offs this term, should Albion get there.

Former head coach Mowbray said last week the Nigerian was back out doing physical work with Albion's staff and could potentially be rushed forward to feature in the final games of the season to help fire the Baggies into the play-offs.

But with Albion's fate now all-but sealed, the likelihood is former Sunderland, Blackburn and Bordeaux man Maja will be given the off-season to complete his recovery in time for pre-season. The Baggies, under the caretaker charge of former midfielder James Morrison, go to relegation-battling Cardiff and host Luton to see out the Championship season.

It has been a frustrating repeat of last season for the striker, who missed the play-off semi-final against Southampton under Carlos Corberan having failed to recover from a succession of ankle injuries.

Maja's absence has been a huge loss for misfiring Albion. The side have struggled for goals all season, with a return of just 52 goals from 44 games. High-profile January loan signing Adam Armstrong has managed just three goals in 14 appearances and lost his place in the side.