Birmingham City have received double injury boost ahead of the match against Southampton

Krystian Bielik and Alex Pritchard have returned to training ahead of Birmingham City’s encounter against Southampton, providing a significant boost to interim manager Mark Venus.

The veteran duo could return to the Blues’ lineup against the promotion-chasing Saints. Bielik missed last week’s defeat to Ipswich Town owing to a groin injury, while Pritchard has been sidelined for four weeks with a calf strain.

“They have both trained,” Venus said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “Krystian trained today. He injured his groin slightly last week when he fell over and twisted it. He underwent a scan, and it revealed a little rip, but he is OK today. Pritch’s been training all week.”

Before to Ipswich, Bielik was a constant presence under Tony Mowbray and Venus. He had started seven consecutive games as centre-back and may replace either Dion Sanderson or Marc Roberts in the starting XI.

Pritchard may have to wait his turn given the form of Tyler Roberts, Jordan James, and Juninho Bacuna. Venus is well acquainted with the 30-year-old, whom he previously worked with at Sunderland.

“I think he can make a big difference,” Venus said of Pritchard’s availability. “I believe he can help. He understands the league, his position, and how we want to play. He has a great personality, is extremely determined, and is a winner.

“He’s been a big miss for us, you can’t hide away from that, since we brought him in but hopefully we can get him fit for the rest of the season.”