Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer just cannot catch a break during his troubled loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.
Collyer has been limited to a mere 250 minutes since arriving at the Hawthorns in August for what was meant to be a crucial season-long loan.
The 21-year-old finally earned only his third Championship start on Wednesday but his night ended in heartbreak after just 10 minutes.
Collyer went down to the ground, shaking his head due to a muscle injury, and was instantly substituted by Ousmane Diakite.
It is the latest setback in a difficult run, coming only weeks after Collyer suffered a hamstring injury in his previous start for West Brom.
He had worked his way back into contention with a couple of substitute appearances, raising hopes he could rebuild momentum.
West Brom manager Ryan Mason showed faith by restoring him to the XI, but another injury so soon is a crushing blow for the young midfielder.
The Red Devils chose West Brom as Collyer’s destination for the loan to ensure he got regular game time.
He is highly rated by the Hawthorns supporters but constant injury interruptions will frustrate everyone.
If United had European fixtures this year, Collyer may well have stayed with the squad, but the lack of rotation opportunities made a loan essential.
The England youth international is a mature, tactically disciplined midfielder with a skill set that rarely gets the spotlight.
He will not dribble through half a defence or score wonder goals, but his positional intelligence makes him the ideal midfield anchor.
Collyer has already played for the United first team 13 times since making his debut in 2023.
United head coach Ruben Amorim would likely have counted on Collyer as a valuable midfield option in 2026, but the youngster needs a strong, injury-free six months to prove he belongs.
Amorim will grow increasingly concerned if injuries continue to halt his progress and delay the sharpening of his raw talent.
Stats from Fotmob.com