Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has revealed that 19-year-old midfielder George Hall has picked up yet another injury, which has pushed the youngster’s return date back even further.
Hall broke through the Blues’ academy ranks during the 2021/22 campaign but became a regular in the first-team last season, making 30 appearances in all competitions and scoring twice, earning himself Birmingham City’s Young Player of the Year award.
At the beginning of the current season, the academy graduate signed a new contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2026 at the latest, while Premier League sides such as Liverpool and Everton were keeping tabs on his progress at St. Andrew’s.
Hall suffered a hamstring injury during Birmingham’s EFL Cup tie against Cardiff City back in August, which was his third in the space of four months. Nevertheless, the young midfielder had recovered from his spell on the sidelines and featured for the U21s in a game against Barnsley on Tuesday.
Unfortunately, head coach Wayne Rooney has provided an update on the player’s return to the team, conceding that Hall has pulled his other hamstring. Speaking in a recent interview with Birmingham Live, the ex-Derby County boss said [quotes via Football League World]:
“George is injured again, so he will be out for another six to eight weeks. His other hamstring. We have been really careful with George so it’s very frustrating.
“We know he’s a very talented player. He played 82 minutes in the U21s and he felt his opposite hamstring to the one that has been injured, and we scanned it. He will be out again.”
Writer’s View
Rooney has admitted that Hall’s fresh injury setback will keep him out of the first-team for six to eight weeks, which means the young midfielder won’t be seen back in action until mid-to-late January at the earliest.
Hall is a really talented player in the middle of the park but recurring injury problems at such a young age have destroyed so many bright futures. Hopefully, Hall can get back to full fitness in the new year and showcase why he is one of the best young players in the Championship.
Deputy Head of Writing
