Birmingham City is confronting fresh uncertainty in the left-back position just weeks after signing Kai Wagner, a move that was intended to resolve a long-standing problem for head coach Chris Davies.
Wagner arrived from Philadelphia Union three weeks ago, expected to end an 18-month struggle to find a reliable left-back. However, an injury to Alex Cochrane, who had been a consistent presence at left-back, has forced Davies to rely heavily on Wagner, leaving the squad thin once again in this critical role.
Cochrane suffered an ankle injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of the season, likely returning only in April — a situation Davies described as “uncertain” for the team’s closing run. “With Alex, my understanding is that the last month of the season is when we can think of him, so there’s uncertainty there,” Davies commented.
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Although Wagner has impressed since his arrival, Davies remains cautious about the squad’s depth in the position. “Kai has come in and done great, and looked really strong. It’s something we will discuss in the next few days whether we feel there’s something that needs to be done or whether we have got enough,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Buchanan offers a potential option in the left-back spot. Having missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury, Buchanan has recently returned to light training. While he could be registered in Birmingham’s EFL squad, Davies is taking a measured approach: “It’s been such a long injury that you’ve got to be cautious with that but we hope Lee can get up to speed. He would need a few under-21s games to build.”
With options limited, Davies might also lean on players not naturally suited to the position. Jack Robinson has experience at left-back, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ethan Laird — who is expected back before Cochrane — can cover the role if needed.
As Birmingham City navigates these final weeks of the season, the left-back position remains a puzzle that Davies must solve amid injuries and squad limitations.