Birmingham City have received encouraging news on the injury front as winger Patrick Roberts has returned to light training ahead of their Championship encounter with Middlesbrough this Saturday.
Roberts has been sidelined for the past two matches due to an injury he picked up during the goalless draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers two weeks ago. With the fixture against Middlesbrough, a club he previously represented, on the horizon, there is optimism he could be available to feature.
However, midfielder Demarai Gray remains out of contention as he continues to battle with illness.
READ MORE: Police Appeal After Assault During Sedgley Supermarket Robbery
READ MORE: DWP benefit fraud uncovered after wedding photos on Facebook expose false claims
Speaking at his Thursday press conference, head coach Chris Davies provided an update on the squad’s fitness situation: “Patrick Roberts has done a bit more light training so he’s had a good week. Demarai is still not quite right.”
The Blues' midfield options are somewhat depleted, further compounded by the loan departure of Kanya Fujimoto to Tokyo Verdy.
On a positive note, Davies revealed that Max Bird and Taylor Gardner-Hickman are progressing well in their recoveries. Both players are expected to return to full training ahead of the international break, with hopes they will be available for selection afterwards.
He commented, “Both will be in full training by the time we play West Brom – I hope they’re both back in full training. How much they then need to add on, especially Taylor in terms of a game with the under-21s or whatever, I don’t know.
“Him and Max are due to be full training by the time we play the West Brom game which will be great because we’ve been light in that area. Both have been working very hard so that would be excellent.”
Birmingham City will look to their returning and recovering players to provide much-needed strength in midfield as they strive for success in their upcoming fixtures.