Daryl Dike makes West Brom return for under-21s exactly one year on

Dike, 24, has been sidelined since his second Achilles injury for the Baggies picked up at Ipswich's Portman Road on February 10, 2024.

His return to action was delayed at the end of October when the United States international injured his hamstring on a return to training.

Dike is set to start for Richard Beale's under-21s against visitors Newcastle at the youth team's home patch of Damson Park in Solihull.

Dike is joined by central defender Semi Ajayi in Solihull. Ajayi, 31, has not played since hobbling off injured with a serious hamstring injury against Cardiff at The Hawthorns on October 26.

Boss Tony Mowbray has been keen for Dike to turn out for the under-21s before he is considered ready for senior action. Dike has been training with his first-team colleagues for a couple of weeks.

The first-team duo are the sole members of Mowbray's senior ranks involved in the Premier League 2 clash against the north east visitors.

Mowbray is set to watch Albion's youngsters in action in Solihull. He has stressed his desire to do so as often as possible for home fixtures. The youngsters are away from home, nearby at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough, next Monday night (February 17).

Promising central defender Jamal Mohammed has returned from an ACL injury and makes the latest step in his recovery with a start against the junior Magpies. It is a first start for Mohammed, 18, since his ACL injury in September 2023.

Ollie Bostock misses out with a minor injury.

New signing Miller McDonald, a winger, is on the bench after checking into the club following a trial.

The fixture is free to watch for supporters on Albion's website.

Albion under-21s (4-3-3): Wallis; Nelson, Ajayi, Mohammed, Parker; Hall (c), Mfuamba, Whitwell; Higgins, Sule, Dike.

Subs: Cisse, Iddrisa, Diomande, McDonald, Mandey.