West Bromwich Albion boss Ryan Mason has indicated that Super Eagles forward Josh Maja is nearing full fitness and could be handed his first league start of the season when Albion face Middlesbrough on Friday. Maja, who was last season’s top scorer for the club with 12 goals in 26 appearances, has spent several months on the sidelines and has mostly featured as a substitute so far.
Maja’s return is notably delayed by competition from summer signing Aune Heggebo, who joined from Norway’s Brann and has held the starting forward role.Mason reiterated that Maja has “progressed really well” in training and is getting closer to contributing fully, though he stopped short of confirming a starting berth.
Signed on a free transfer from Bordeaux in 2023, Maja also won West Brom’s Goal of the Season award in the 2024–25 campaign.
Editorial
We welcome Ryan Mason’s update on Josh Maja with cautious optimism. For a player who ended last season as Albion’s top scorer, Maja’s prolonged absence has raised questions about timing, rhythm, and whether he can quickly regain his best form under competitive pressure. Liverpool and the fans will be watching closely this is not just about staying fit, but about returning sharp, motivated, and ready to contribute.
Maja’s current challenge is not only physical recovery, but also reclaiming momentum. Match fitness, sharpness, and confidence are all built through game time, and prolonged inactivity can erode those qualities. That he has been training well is a promising sign. Yet, confidence at this level often depends on starts—minutes—and an opportunity to perform under pressure.
Competition for starting places will always push players, but it can also create frustration if not managed well. The presence of Aune Heggebo, West Brom’s summer acquisition, means that Maja must prove he still deserves a place in the frontline—not just on reputation, but on current merit. How Mason handles that dynamic will be pivotal, both for Maja’s return and for the team’s broader attacking strategy.
We believe Maja’s return could provide a spark for Albion if he starts, plays well, and helps influence games as he did last season. But the real test isn’t just in being fit it’s in making an impact. With more than 40 league matches ahead, the timing of his return could be crucial. If Maja is truly back, then Albion may have one of their most potent attacking options firmly back in the mix.
Did You Know?
- Josh Maja won West Bromwich Albion’s Goal of the Season award in 2024–25.
- Maja joined West Brom on a free transfer from Bordeaux in 2023.
- He was West Brom’s top scorer in 2024–25, netting 12 times in 26 appearances.
- His main competition for the striker’s spot this season is Aune Heggebo, who signed from Brann over the summer.
- Manager Ryan Mason said Maja is “getting there” and “progressing really well” in training.
