Tahith Chong has returned to Man Utd from his loan spell at Birmingham City after suffering a groin injury.
United confirmed on Wednesday that Chong needed to undergo surgery to repair a ruptured thigh tendon, and will miss the next four to five months of action.
The Netherlands youth international was beginning to make an impression at Birmingham having played 13 times for the Blues, and manager Lee Bowyer expressed his disappointment at Chong's injury and departure.
"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," Bowyer said.
"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."
In a post on Instagram, Chong revealed his pain at being ruled out for such a lengthy period and thanked Birmingham for the opportunities they gave him.
"As a player, it hurts to be telling you guys this but, unfortunately, that's life and that's football," he said.
"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."
Source : 90min