Birmingham City boss Lee Bowyer is taking a cautious approach with Tahith Chong as the Manchester United loanee nears his return.
The 22-year-old has been back in training with the Blues this week after spending three weeks on the sidelines. Chong picked up a hamstring injury against West Brom at the start of the month which has seen him miss the last four games.
The winger has been beset by injuries since beginning his year-long loan at St Andrew’s last summer. Chong missed four months of the season after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury before taking in his rehabilitation back at United.
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His return to action lasted just six games before he suffered another setback. As he nears his latest comeback, Bowyer admits he’s taking a safety-first approach.
“Tahith has obviously been training this week but I don't want to take any risks with him,” Bowyer said. “I think that will be unfair to him and to us, you know. He's a young lad with a big future in front of him.
“I want to make sure he's right when I do play him again. This one might be too quick for him and save him for the last home game so everyone can show their appreciation for what he's brought to us.”
Despite his injury problems, Chong has impressed during his spell at Birmingham. The Netherlands U21 international has made 19 appearances for the Championship club this season, scoring once and adding three assists.
Chong’s deal at United was due to expire at the end of the season but the club have triggered the one-year extension on his contract. The 22-year-old has played 16 times for United’s first team so far, including an appearance in the Reds’ memorable Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
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