Chris Davies has allayed fears that crucial Birmingham City player Paik Seung-ho, who was substituted at the conclusion of the 3-2 comeback victory over Peterborough United, would be injured.
Paik was instrumental in the Blues’ sixth consecutive victory, although his unbeaten run in League One came to an end when he was substituted by Marc Leonard in the final stages. The midfielder had recently suffered a muscle injury, and Davies did not want to take any chances.
However, speaking after the game on Saturday, Davies did not believe Paik’s problem was anything more than exhaustion. “I haven’t received the official report, but it appears to be a minor cramp,” stated the Blues manager.
Davies could split his first-choice midfield combination of Paik and Tomoki Iwata this week, with games against Huddersfield Town and Charlton Athletic coming up. Leonard would be Davies’ first port of call, with Taylor Gardner-Hickman currently filling in at right back.
Dion Sanderson
Injury: Foot
Sanderson was a surprising absence at Leyton Orient, having missed the win over Wycombe owing to suspension. Davies stated that the issue is with his foot. It is not a fracture or anything like that; it is simply something with his foot that requires treatment and time to heal.”
The 24-year-old defender has resumed full training, but he may have to wait his turn because Davies only has one centre-back on the bench. Ben Davies is currently filling that position.
What has Davies said? “Dion has been back training more with the first team, but it was a significant period that he was out for, so it’s about getting fitness for him.”
Lee Buchanan
Injury: Calf
Left-back Buchanan suffered a calf injury in pre-season, allowing Alex Cochrane to take his position in the XI. Buchanan will hope that his setback does not result in an extended absence.
What has Davies said? “Lee was training with us but he’s just had another niggle, a little bit of a niggle again, so he’s back in the treatment room again. Hopefully it won’t be too long. I don’t know the full extent of it. We are waiting for more tests and details. It’s not a re-injury as such, but he’s felt his calf again.
Ethan Laird
Injury: Ankle
The right-back is out until next month due to an ankle injury. The news was a disappointment for Laird, who had come through a full pre-season unharmed to start the Blues’ first six games under Davies, but he may be close to returning now.
What has Davies said? “Ethan is making reasonable progress and was outside jogging on the grass this week. There’s still a little way to go.”
Luke Harris
Injury: Ankle
Fulham loanee Harris was removed against Wigan due to a similar condition to Laird, and as a result, he did not represent Wales under-21s during the international break. The 19-year-old is trailing Laird in his rehabilitation.
What has Davies said? “Luke still has a while to go yet. He has been in a boot with his ankle injury.”
Alfie Chang
Injury: Knee
The 22-year-old is being allowed time to regain his fitness after being out for more than a year due to a cruciate knee ligament injury. Chang has been left out of the Blues’ squad, making him ineligible for League One games, but he has resumed light training.
What has Davies said? “Every morning I come in he’s the first player in. He’s in the gym and has worked extremely hard in his rehab. He’s one of those players you just will and wish they get back to full fitness and start to flourish because he’s got a brilliant attitude.”
