Birmingham City face a challenging match against Oxford United this weekend as manager Chris Davies confirms that five players will be unavailable due to injury. The club’s injury woes show little sign of improving before the fixture, with key members still sidelined.
Over the past month, the Blues have been without important players such as Alex Cochrane and Demarai Gray, and Davies does not expect any returns before February or even later. Despite these setbacks, the squad’s depth has been bolstered recently, as demonstrated by a stronger bench during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City, aided by new signings from the transfer window.
Here’s the latest on Birmingham City’s injury situation:
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Hamstring Injuries
Scott Robinson experienced a hamstring issue during the FA Cup victory over Cambridge United, prompting a substitution in the second half. Since then, he has missed the last three games. Similarly, Ethan Laird, sidelined since late September, is making progress after a high-grade hamstring injury and could return to training in February. Davies groups Robinson, Laird, and Demarai Gray together, suggesting they are all several weeks from returning to full training.
Ankle Injury
Alex Cochrane has struggled with ankle problems this season and has not played since the New Year’s Day loss to Watford. His recovery timeline is more prolonged, with expectations of a return only around April.
Calf Injury
Demarai Gray’s calf injury, sustained during the Boxing Day draw with Derby County, has kept the winger out for seven games during a period when he was performing strongly. Although his recovery was initially estimated at six weeks, Blues' staff remain cautiously optimistic about a February comeback, citing Gray’s professionalism and healing ability.
Knee Injury
Lee Buchanan is over a year into his recovery from a knee injury and has recently started light training. With Cochrane’s injury ruling him out, Buchanan could play a more significant role in the latter part of the season. Davies stresses the need for caution and the importance of gradual reintroduction, possibly involving under-21 matches to build fitness.
While Birmingham City’s injury list remains extensive, manager Chris Davies is hopeful that players will regain fitness in the coming weeks, strengthening the squad for the promotion push ahead.