West Brom striker Daryl Dike is expected to return to light training in December post his ACL tear in April 2023, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert has reacted to Carlos Corberan stating recently that he’s recovering well as he aims to return to playing football.
The United States international has not been part of pre-season training or even light training in the past few weeks as he’s still not recovered fully.
Speaking exclusively with West Brom News about Tanaka’s injury, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Scientist, said:
“His manager said that he’s recovering well post his ACL tear which likely means things are just going as expected.“
“I’d expect him back in light training around mid-December and then playing in January.
“I’m typically looking at around eight to nine months after that as a true barometer of return to pre-injury levels.
“They will get him weight bearing as soon as possible to build up mobility, strength, and neuromuscular control from basic functions, and return to walking and running.
“They will then introduce different planes of movement, and then progress to more football-like actions.“
Professional footballers typically take seven to nine months to recover from an ACL rupture.
Thus, by the timelines being drawn, he appears to be progressing well and is on track to return as the physios would’ve wanted.
It’s important that he’s not rushed into his return as a minor setback could also have dire long-term consequences.