Injury Update: Gary Rowett worried as injury hits City players

admin | April 8, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Gary Rowett believes Birmingham City lack the physicality that injured trio Marc Roberts, Oliver Burke, and Lukas Jutkiewicz can bring.

Rowett has been without defender Roberts, right winger Burke, and striker Jutkiewicz for his first three games in command. It is unclear whether they will be able to participate in any of the final five games.

Rowett has virtually ruled them out of Wednesday’s game against Cardiff City. In his most recent update, following the Blues’ 2-1 loss to Leicester City, Rowett stated: “At the moment, the likes of Marc Roberts, Burkey, Jukey – they just have that real physicality that gives you something different in games – I think we probably miss them a little bit, but it is what it is.” We’ll be lacking that type of player for a few more games.

Club captain Jutkiewicz, whose contract expires in July, accompanied the squad to the games against QPR and Leicester. On Saturday, the 34-year-old was spotted jogging across the pitch with a Blues backroom team member before kick-off at the King Power Stadium. Rowett said: “Jukey just wants to do his part, encourage the players, and show his support. It’s excellent leadership.

Marc Roberts

Injury: Calf

Roberts recently missed time with his third calf injury of the season before returning to lead the Blues’ defence at Millwall. He started against Middlesbrough before succumbing to agony and hobbled off with a recurrence of his nagging injury.

Lukas Jutkiewicz

Injury: Knee

Jutkiewicz collapsed in the final seconds of Blues’ defeat to Watford. The veteran striker landed awkwardly after competing for an aerial ball and had to be replaced. He has been travelling to games to encourage his teammates and expects to play again this season.

Oliver Burke

Injury: Muscle

Burke, a Werder Bremen loanee, was out of favour under the previous management, but he may have had a chance under Rowett, with whom he had worked at Millwall. Unfortunately for Burke, he has been sidelined with muscular difficulties, and Rowett doubts he will be able to play again this season.

Rowett said: “Burkey is now ailing, and I don’t expect him to play much of the season. When you go in, it’s nice to see familiar faces, but the guys who are available are the ones who will deliver us success.

Alfie Chang

Injury: Knee

Chang suffered a major ACL injury during a training session in August and is anticipated to miss the rest of the season. The 21-year-old, who has since signed a new three-year contract, has been training with Blues physios in the gym and has begun cycling to boost his fitness.