Ryan Mason confirms big West Brom blow as Man Utd talks take place | OneFootball

Toby Collyer’s time at The Hawthorns is in doubt after sustaining a serious calf injury.

West Brom boss Ryan Mason has confirmed on-loan midfielder Toby Collyer has returned to Manchester United for treatment on a serious calf injury, raising considerable doubt about whether he will feature for the Baggies again.

The 21-year-old linked up at The Hawthorns on a season-long loan from Old Trafford in the summer, finding regular gametime difficult to come by in the early stages of his stint with Albion.

After a series of appearances off the bench, Collyer was handed a full start in an away defeat to Millwall, and following on in his first start at home against Preston North End, he suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out for the next four games.

He returned at the beginning of November for cameos against Oxford United and Coventry City, before being recalled into the starting XI in a West Midlands derby against Birmingham City due to the suspension of Jayson Molumby.

But just 11 minutes into it, Collyer had suffered another injury issue, this time to his calf, as his spell at the Baggies continues to be hampered.

And now a report by the Express & Star has outlined he has returned to Man Utd for treatment on the issue, with it currently unknown whether he will play in the blue and white stripes again.

Ryan Mason confirms Toby Collyer, Man Utd return after calf injury

As per a report by the Express & Star’s Lewis Cox, West Brom boss Ryan Mason confirmed midfielder Toby Collyer has returned to Manchester United for treatment on a serious calf injury, with Albion remaining in contact with the Red Devils over his status.

Mason said: "It’s quite a big injury. He’s at United at the minute. They're just assessing him, and then I think in the coming weeks we’ll just decide his plan regarding his rehab.

Asked if the injury could bring into question Collyer's future from January onwards, Mason added: "We’ve got him on loan for the season. That’s the plan. Normally, any loan player that gets an injury that’s a bit more than a small one, more of a significant one, I think it’s right for the parent club to look at them to check them over.

"We’re in dialogue, and hopefully he can do his rehab and come back better. We’re looking into it, both clubs.

"He’s disappointed naturally. When you’re trying to build your career when you have setbacks that hold you back, it’s challenging, but I guess the reality is, to get to the top in any industry, there’s going to be challenges.

"I think if he’s clever, if he uses it wisely, then for sure it can make him stronger in many different aspects."

Toby Collyer setback is a bitter blow for West Brom to take

West Brom will be devastated by the news that Toby Collyer will be absent for the foreseeable future, particularly when midfield options are as light as they are.

Jayson Molumby has had his problems with both injury and discipline so far this season, while Alex Mowatt will have to be managed throughout a relentless Championship term as he enters his thirties.

It leaves Ousmane Diakite as their only other recognised midfield option at the club, but he is more of a defensive-minded player, while Collyer was seen as more of a progressive box-to-box player.

The same goes for Krystian Bielik, who can fill the middle of the park if needed but in a six role, as Albion are now without an alternative attacking presence at the heart of the pitch.

While Mason still appeared optimistic over Collyer’s chances of remaining at the club throughout the season, two injuries in the first half of the season have left supporters feeling that the loanee is unreliable from a fitness perspective, and that they may need to source a replacement heading into the January transfer window.

It’s something the Albion hierarchy could explore with the option around the corner to bolster the squad, with the club requiring reinforcements to try and sustain a promotion push back to the Premier League.