Birmingham City are set to kick off their 2026/27 season with a Carabao Cup tie against Swansea City on Saturday, coming off an impressive pre-season campaign.
Chris Davies' squad remained undefeated in all six pre-season matches played in front of supporters, with their only defeat being a narrow loss in a behind-closed-doors game against Portuguese champions Porto.
However, several injury concerns have emerged during the pre-season, potentially complicating Blues' preparations for their trip to South Wales.
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One player yet to feature in pre-season action is Paik, who sustained an injury during training following his return from the World Cup. While his condition has improved this week, manager Chris Davies provided a cautious update ahead of the Swansea fixture.
“He’s had a good week. He obviously had a knock but he’s made decent progress this week, so he’s in a much better position than he was,” Davies said.
Paik’s last appearance was six weeks ago, meaning he will need to work hard to regain match fitness.
Another key player, Gray, showed excellent form in pre-season with three goals-second only to August Priske-but he picked up a minor injury on the eve of the Barcelona game. Davies suggested Gray’s absence from that game was a precautionary measure, which is reassuring given that he is currently Birmingham’s only left-winger.
“Again, a much better position than he was. He was close to the Barca match but picked up a niggle,” added Davies.
Marvin Ducksch has not yet featured during pre-season after sustaining an injury in Portugal in early July. The German striker has begun light training on the grass at Birmingham’s training ground but will need time to build fitness before returning to first-team action.
“Marvin is light training, so not far away,” said Davies.
Additionally, Gardner-Hickman’s future remains uncertain following a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers last season, although he now appears set to remain with Birmingham until at least January.
Midfielder Leonard suffered a ruptured Achilles towards the end of last season during an otherwise successful loan at Hearts. Prior to the injury sustained in a match against Motherwell on 9 May, he was expected to secure a lucrative summer transfer. Leonard underwent surgery promptly in London and has since returned to Birmingham to begin rehabilitation.
He remains on crutches and limited to gym work at the club’s training facility, with expectations that he will not be available for selection until the New Year.