Birmingham boss Bowyer makes Man Utd admission after Tahith Chong update

Tahith Chong was fast becoming a firm fans' favourite at Championship side Birmingham City this season.

He joined from Manchester United in the summer on a season-long loan. And it wasn't long before people were soon starting to take notice.

A clutch of man-of-the-match awards, with a couple of assists chucked in, had Blues' fans excited at the prospect of where their season could go.

But then Chong suffered a "freak" injury, according to City boss Lee Bowyer, and was put on the sidelines for months.

Chong, 21, ruptured a thigh tendon in training. Such was the severity that it required surgery and Chong is expected to be laid low until February at the earliest.

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It was a huge blow for Chong himself, Birmingham and his parent club.

But Bowyer has admitted United have been "great" in handling the situation. It is believed the deal has not been terminated and that the possibility of the Dutch midfielder returning to St Andrew's to see out his loan is still very much on the table.

Speaking on Thursday, Bowyer said: "I won't go into too much detail but Man United have been great.

"They are helping us out the best they can so I am really, really grateful to them for that. They have been really good.

"I won't give any more information because I think that's personal but they have been great."

When quizzed on whether Chong would be able to come back once fully fit, Bowyer added: "That would be a nice thing to happen for us.

"Then we'll have Chongy for the last five, seven, ten games - whatever it might be.

"Those final games could be important. Look at last year.

"I wouldn't want to say that he's done. I would love to see him come back and play for us again, and I think the fans would too."

When the news broke about his injury Chong took to social media to say a big thank you to his temporary employers.

Writing on Instagram, he wrote: "As a player, it hurts to be telling you guys this but, unfortunately, that's life and that's football.

"I have picked up an injury and will be out for a while. I would like to thank everyone at Birmingham City Football Club for everything they have done for me [in the] past couple of months.

"The players, staff and everyone involved has made me feel very welcoming from day one.

"The coach has helped me a lot and showed a lot of confidence in me, something I will not forget. A special mention to the fans that, from day one, have supported me in a way that has helped me massively. Focus on recovery now and coming back stronger."

He showed his commitment to the club, despite being out injured, when he recently attended the team's squad photo day - even making the occasion despite being on crutches.