Birmingham City could be without eight players against Bristol City after Marc Roberts became their latest injury casualty during the 3-1 defeat to Stoke on Boxing Day.

Roberts limped off shortly after Andre Vidigal had scored Stoke’s third goal. The 33-year-old has only recently returned to Blues’ line-up after injuries to Kevin Long, Ethan Laird and Cody Drameh forced Wayne Rooney into a defensive reshuffle.

Rooney might have to make more changes to his defence against Bristol City, who have won their last three games to move within touching distance of the Championship play-off places. That is unless Roberts can make a speedy recovery.

Speaking about Roberts’ injury after the game, Rooney said: “I haven’t seen the extent of it or what it is. We are very bare at the back and we’re trying to fit players into the back-line, so hopefully it’s not too serious.”

In addition to a lengthy injury list, Rooney will be without influential midfielder Krystian Bielik against Bristol City and Leeds United. Bielik is serving a three-game ban for a red card against Plymouth.

Blues have, however, been boosted by the returns of long-term absentees Tyler Roberts and Keshi Anderson. Here is the rundown of Blues’ injury issues before the clash with Bristol City…

Marc Roberts

Injury: Unspecified

The experienced defender had to be withdrawn in the 53rd minute of Blues’ defeat to Stoke with an injury. Rooney was unsure what Roberts had done after the game, but it may have been a consequence of five starts in 18 days after so long without regular football.

Left-back Buchanan suffered a nasty head injury during Blues’ 3-3 draw with Plymouth on December 23. Buchanan suffered a clash of heads before landing awkwardly on the Home Park turf and left the field on a stretcher.

Concussion protocols mean Buchanan’s return to training and matches will be phased. Buchanan isn’t expected to return in time for the match with Bristol City.