Maja Nears Full Fitness, Could Start for West Brom vs Middlesbrough
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.
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.