Collyer has endured a frustrating spell in the Championship, with only 12 appearances and 253 minutes played
Manchester United have recalled Toby Collyer from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion after the midfielder suffered a calf injury that will keep him out for several weeks.
The 21-year-old has returned to Carrington for treatment, with United deciding it was better for his recovery to be managed in-house. Collyer had endured a frustrating spell in the Championship, making 12 appearances for West Brom but clocking up only 253 minutes and registering a single assist.
His recall comes at a difficult moment for Ruben Amorim, who is grappling with a growing injury list. Bruno Fernandes is expected to miss around a month after picking up a hamstring injury in last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa, while Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are also sidelined.
Speaking earlier this week, Amorim was cautious when asked about Fernandes’ timeline. “Not for this game. They are recovering,” he said. “I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don’t want to say [how long for Bruno]. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.”
United’s options have been further stretched by the Africa Cup of Nations, with Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui all away on international duty in Morocco.
Collyer’s injury is expected to rule him out for around eight weeks, but his return to Old Trafford could still prove timely. Mainoo’s long-term future remains uncertain amid reports of interest ahead of the January transfer window, and United are weighing up whether Collyer could provide additional midfield cover once he is fit.
While Championship clubs are said to be monitoring his situation, United are not currently planning to send him back out on loan when he recovers. Amorim is understood to be open to keeping the former Brighton youngster in the senior squad and allowing him to compete for minutes.
Collyer made his United debut under Erik ten Hag and has since featured in the FA Cup and Europa League under Amorim, taking his total first-team appearances to 13.
