Sheffield United get fresh Tahith Chong boost as winger steps up fitness levels in big victory
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong has played twice for Curaçao during the international break so far.
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong stored more valuable minutes under his belt for Curaçao on Monday as he continues to work his way back to full fitness after a recent injury.
The 26-year-old, who has made just three appearances for the Blades so far this season because of an injury he suffered last month, was introduced at half-time as Curaçao built on last week’s stunning 4-3 comeback victory over Costa Rica with a 6-1 win over Nicaragua to maintain their winning start to their CONCACAF Nations League campaign.
Chong, who made his comeback for the Blades just before the international break, stepping off the bench with ten minutes to go in their 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, was introduced at the break against Nicaragua, replacing Juninho Bacuna, who had scored and provided an assist in the first half.
Curaçao, who made history by becoming the smallest nation to ever feature at the World Cup during the summer, were 5-0 up by half-time following goals from Kenji Gorré (2), Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna.
With his side in complete control at the break, Curaçao boss Dick Advocaat made a triple substitution at half-time, meaning Chong was able to get 45 minutes under his belt. The former Manchester United man, who scored in last week’s astonishing comeback win over Costa Rica, earned 33 minutes last time out.
Chong’s 45-minute run-out against Nicaragua marked his longest outing of this season so far, meaning he has been able to get some valuable minutes into his legs ahead of reporting back to United’s Shirecliffe training base next week.
Curaçao, who scored their sixth goal of the game through Jürgen Locadia with just two minutes remaining, have another two CONCACAF Nations League fixtures to fulfil before the end of this current international window, with a double-header against Trinidad and Tobago on the horizon.
They will first meet on Thursday, going head-to-head at the Estadio Ergilio Hato in Curaçao, before facing each other again at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.
Two appearances in a matter of days for Chong can only bode well for the Blades, who are hopeful of welcoming Femi Seriki, Harrison Burrows and Ryan One back into the equation ahead of their clash with Lincoln City at Bramall Lane on October 10.