United's update on Chong operation

The Curacao-born midfielder has been in excellent form for the Midlanders, with boss Lee Bowyer admitting it is a real blow to be losing his services.

United confirmed on Wednesday morning: "Tahith has undergone surgery to repair a ruptured thigh tendon, the operation went well, and he will return to Manchester United to complete an expected four to five-month rehabilitation."

Chong was gaining plenty of experience in the Championship and had impressed in different roles for Bowyer's Blues.

The Birmingham manager told the club's official website: "Unfortunately, he had to have an operation today, 16 weeks he's now out for. Something so small as well, the way it happened. Standing on the side of the pitch, a five-yard pass into the pitch. No-one near him, no challenges or anything and he has damaged his groin area.

"It's a massive loss, everyone knows what he has been like since he has been here. He has been a massive player for us. So it's tough to take but the most important thing now for Tahith is he gets his rehab right, which he will do. He will go back to Manchester United now and they will look after him.

"He has been great here, we are definitely going to miss him."

The 21-year-old made 13 appearances in the league for the Blues, the most recent of which came against another United loanee Ethan Laird, who is with Swansea City.

Laird, meanwhile, supplied an assist for the second successive game in the Swans' 2-1 win at Coventry City on Tuesday night.

Posting on Instagram, Chong said: "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." 

Everyone at United sends on our best wishes to Tahith for his rehabilitation.