Birmingham City could be without up to seven players for their crucial Championship match against Swansea City on Saturday evening at 5:30pm. The injury list is extensive, and team management is closely monitoring the fitness of key players ahead of the game.
One major concern remains Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is currently representing Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco. Although the winger has been a bit-part player for the Blues this season, his significant contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON run means he faces missing the Swansea game if Nigeria advance to the final on Sunday. This could also impact his availability for the following fixture at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday. However, if Nigeria fall short, Osayi-Samuel could return sooner than expected.
In addition to Osayi-Samuel, the squad is grappling with several injury setbacks:
READ MORE: Bullring Fire Show, Firefly Field, and Disco: Your Guide to Birmingham Light Festival 2026
READ MORE: Major UK Men’s Clothing Brand Big Boys Shuts After Entering Administration
-
Jack Robinson (Hamstring): The defender left the field during Birmingham’s recent FA Cup win over Cambridge United after experiencing tightness. He was substituted as a precaution, and manager Chris Davies will provide an update at the pre-match press conference.
-
Jay Stansfield (Leg): The striker, who tops the team’s scoring charts with nine goals, has been managing a leg injury since Christmas and missed the Cambridge match. Davies remains hopeful for his recovery, describing it as a knock rather than a long-term concern.
-
Alex Cochrane (Ankle): The left-back has missed six of the last eight games due to an ongoing ankle problem. He is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks, making him one of the longer-term absentees.
-
Demarai Gray (Calf): Since sustaining a calf injury on Boxing Day against Derby County, Gray has missed four games. Although the original estimate suggested a six-week recovery, the club anticipates his return sometime in February, praising his professionalism and quick healing ability.
-
Ethan Laird (Hamstring): Out since late September with a high-grade hamstring injury, Laird is progressing well and is expected to resume training in February.
-
Marc Pugh Buchanan (Knee): Now a year into his rehabilitation, Buchanan has begun light training. The recent acquisition of Kai Wagner and Cochrane’s role at left-back means there is no urgency to rush Buchanan back into action.
The current injury crisis presents a significant challenge for Birmingham City as they seek to secure vital points against Swansea City this weekend.