Birmingham City are ready to bring back a crucial part of their squad as they face Northampton Town, which will be a huge boost for Chris Davies.
Birmingham chasing League One title
After spending more than any other League One team this summer and breaking the league’s transfer record numerous times, it’s no wonder that Birmingham is near the top of the division and vying for the title.
Relegated from the Championship last season, they now trail Wycombe Wanderers on goal difference, but they have a game in hand on their early season promotion rivals, which could see them move three points clear at the summit if they win.
The Blues have the third worst defence in the division, with 23 goals to their name, and their squad depth makes them the odds-on favourites to return to England’s second tier at the first attempt.
The Blues, now supported by NFL icon Tom Brady, are seeking to emulate Ipswich Town and make a quick return to the Premier League from League One after a long absence.
And, in an effort to maintain their great start in League One, they have received some encouraging injury news.
Bielik back in action for Birmingham
That comes as manager Chris Davies has stated that centre-back and captain Krystian Bielik is back in contention for their match against Northampton Town after missing several games due to injury. The Blues face Northampton on Saturday afternoon, with a straightforward victory expected against the 18th-placed side. And Bielik might be among the starting eleven.
The Polish international, who was rated as a “Premier League level player” by talent scout Jacek Kulig just a few years ago, was promoted to club captain in the summer and has since moved from central midfield to centre-back under Davies, where he has thrived.
He missed the last month due to injury, but Davies announced he was back and ready to return to the heart of the St Andrews defence.
“He had a good week of training and did very well, looked sharp, so he’s pretty much there now,” the Blues manager said.
Better yet, Lee Buchanan, who has missed the majority of the season due to calf issues, could return soon, leaving the Blues with only two injury concerns.
“We had a flurry of injuries a few weeks ago, but now we’ve got two who are genuinely out, Scott and Emil, and a few of others who are working their way back in. That prepares us fairly well for the cold months. When we return from the international break, there will be a lot of fixtures and colder weather,” Davies noted.
“The whole thing was about getting a good squad with depth, and now it’s about how we recover and train to maintain a healthy squad.”
