Birmingham issue Chong injury update after Man Utd loanee subbed vs West Brom

Birmingham City head coach Lee Bowyer has eased any fears that Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong could be set for a fresh stint on the sidelines after he was forced off in Sunday’s 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

Chong, who has recently extended his stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2023 by having a one-year option in his contract activated, hobbled off with more than half-an-hour left of Sunday’s West Midlands derby. He was replaced by Taylor Richards, just 11 minutes ahead of Lyle Taylor netting the winner from the penalty spot.

The United loanee, who joined Birmingham on a season-long loan deal last summer, only returned from a lengthy injury lay-off at the very end of February, meaning it was hardly surprising when immediate fears were sparked amongst the Blues’ supporters. Chong had been sidelined since October with a serious thigh injury that required surgery and it did, initially, threaten to bring his season to an end.

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However, Chong, since making his long-awaited comeback, has made six appearances and also scored his first goal in English football. Fortunately, it does not appear as though the winger is set for another long spell on the sidelines, with Bowyer confirming he took him off as a precaution.

Bowyer, as quoted by Birmingham Live, said: “[It was] just a bit of tightness. He wanted to carry on but I didn’t want to take any risks with him so I said: ‘No, come off’.”

Although a serious injury has derailed the Dutchman’s progress this season, he has proven to be a shining light in what has been a difficult campaign for Birmingham. The supporters immediately fell in love with him and he has scored once and claimed three assists in 19 appearances in the league.

Back in September, prior to his injury blow, Bowyer waxed lyrical about Chong, particularly his attitude, saying: “Everyone will talk about him in possession and the way he glides past people is beautiful to watch.

“But I look at the other side and he works so hard for the team. To come from Manchester United and to have the attitude he has, and work the way he works, he is a credit to their football club.

“I have told them that already, to produce someone with that talent who works that hard for the team.”

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