Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has offered an encouraging injury update ahead of the club’s Championship season opener against Sheffield United this Saturday.
Defender Alex Cochrane, who suffered a back injury following a collision with teammate Christoph Klarer during last weekend’s cup victory at Swansea City, is expected to be available for selection. Cochrane was forced off at half-time due to the injury, with Lee Buchanan stepping in for his first competitive appearance since December 2024. Davies has suggested that Cochrane could reclaim his place in the starting XI for the match at Bramall Lane.
“Dimmy’s had a good week following that,” Davies said in reference to Demarai Gray. “Paik came through it well and they’ve all recovered pretty well. Cochrane took a heavy knock but he’s recovered from that, so we’re in good shape.”
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Midfielder Paik Seung-ho and winger Demarai Gray also returned from injury, having gained valuable minutes during the Swansea fixture, and are expected to be fit for the upcoming game.
Meanwhile, midfielder Kanya Fujimoto, who featured in all of Birmingham’s pre-season fixtures, missed the Swansea fixture due to a knock. Davies reported that Fujimoto is close to returning to full fitness, stating, “He’s not got a long-term injury; it’s something he’s been trying to build up through this week. He’s close to being available for this game.”
German striker Marvin Ducksch continues his recovery from an injury that curtailed his pre-season preparations, while both Marc Leonard and Taylor Gardner-Hickman remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Birmingham City will be hoping these positive injury developments can help them start their Championship campaign on a strong note against Sheffield United this weekend.