Birmingham City down to ‘bare bones’ after fresh injury blow before Leeds United
Latest Birmingham City news from BirminghamLive brings early team news before Leeds United visit St Andrew’s on Saturday
Birmingham City have been dealt another injury blow in defence after rookie right-back Marcel Oakley hobbled off at half-time in Tuesday’s win at Cheltenham Town.
Oakley started the game at The Completely-Suzuki Stadium due to John Eustace managing the minutes of first choice Ethan Laird, who has only just returned to fitness after a hamstring issue. The hamstring curse struck down Oakley at Cheltenham and he now looks set to miss Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United.
With central defender Marc Roberts also sidelined due to a calf issue, Blues currently only have five fit defenders in Laird, Dion Sanderson, Kevin Long, Lee Buchanan and Manny Longelo. Alfie Chang stepped in to deputise at right-back and Blues now have Josh Williams available again.
Blues are also managing Tyler Roberts’ groin complaint. Here is the rundown on Blues’ injured stars.
George Hall
Injury: Ankle
Hall has endured rotten luck with injuries since April. After seeing his season ended prematurely by a hamstring injury, Hall returned fit and fresh for pre-season only to pick up a ‘slight strain’ in the run-up Blues’ first friendly at Solihull Moors.
The midfielder started training again in the final week of pre-season, but he twisted his ankle in his first session back. Eustace said (July 27): “George came back on Monday and took a little twist on his ankle. It’s very short term I would hope. It’s precautionary.”
Marc Roberts
Injury: Calf
Roberts started all five of Blues’ pre-season friendlies, but he wasn’t able to play against Swansea after sustaining a calf injury. Eustace expects the 33-year-old to miss three weeks of action.
“Robbo has done his calf,” Eustace said (August 6). “He is out for three weeks. We are down to our last two centre-halves. Hopefully they will be fine.”
Marcel Oakley
Injury: Hamstring
Oakley felt some soreness in his hamstring midway through Blues’ 2-0 win at Cheltenham in the Carabao Cup and Eustace didn’t want to take any risks. The 20-year-old has played the role of deputy to Laird this summer.
“Unfortunately he had a slight strain to his hamstring. We really are down to bare bones on that side,” Eustace said (August 8).
Injury: Groin
Roberts came through 60 minutes of Blues’ Championship opener with Swansea having enjoyed his first full pre-season in years. The Wales international will be desperate to make his St Andrew’s debut against his former club.
“Tyler has been struggling with a bit of a groin issue,” Eustace said (August 6). “We have had to be careful with him. I spoke to Tyler (on Friday) and he said this is the first full pre-season he’s had in six years. To get a fit Tyler Roberts will be very exciting.”
