Birmingham City face several injury challenges as they prepare to meet Lincoln City in a crucial League One encounter this weekend.
The top-of-the-table Blues are set to take on a fourth-placed Lincoln side, who could close the gap to just a point with a win.
Manager Chris Davies is navigating a growing injury list as he aims to maintain his team’s form, with several key players sidelined ahead of Saturday’s match.
Injury Concerns for Blues
Captain Krystian Bielik is among the most significant absentees, with an ankle injury ruling him out for several weeks. Bielik picked up the knock during the team’s defeat to Charlton and was substituted at half-time. “He got a bit of a nasty ankle knock, so he looks like he will be a few weeks at the very least,” Davies confirmed.
Tomoki Iwata, who sustained an ankle injury in Birmingham’s 4-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town, is another doubt. Davies was cautious but optimistic about his recovery: “Tomoki got a knock on the ankle that he felt he couldn’t run off. I don’t think it looks too bad, but we will see tomorrow.”
Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, meanwhile, has been dealing with a shoulder injury since the end of September. After being forced off during Northern Ireland duty, he is being closely monitored. “He’s had this knock since the Peterborough game,” Davies said. “We will assess him in the next few days.”
In addition, Ethan Laird is nearing a return after an ankle injury ruled him out in recent weeks. The right-back is expected to rejoin training soon but will need a few weeks to regain full fitness. Left-back Lee Buchanan and midfielder Luke Harris are also recovering from calf and ankle injuries, respectively, while long-term absentee Alfie Chang continues to work his way back from a cruciate ligament injury.
Despite these setbacks, Birmingham will look to maintain their strong form against Lincoln, where defensive rotations are expected as Ben Davies and Dion Sanderson compete for a spot in the starting XI.
Writer’s View
Birmingham’s growing injury list presents a real test for Chris Davies as he tries to manage his squad through a busy period. With key players like Bielik and Peacock-Farrell out, the team’s depth will be challenged. However, the team’s resilience has been a hallmark of their success this season, and Davies will be hoping that continues against Lincoln City.