The most recent injury updates are available on BirminghamLive prior to Saturday’s match between the Blues and Southampton.
This season, Birmingham City’s treatment room is nearly empty for the first time. After returning to training, Alex Pritchard and Krystian Bielik are both expected to play against Southampton.
Due to a calf injury, Pritchard has only played 45 minutes since joining Blues from Sunderland in January. Mark Venus, the interim boss, is happy to have him back.
Regarding Pritchard’s availability, Venus stated, “I think he can make a big difference.” “I believe he can make a difference. He is familiar with the league, his role, and our preferred style of play. He’s a winner, highly motivated, and endowed with an amazing personality.
Since we brought him in, he has been a huge loss for us; you can’t deny that, but maybe we can get him healthy for the remainder of the campaign.
After missing time due to an ankle injury, Dion Sanderson started the game in place of Bielik. Due to a groyne injury, Bielik was forced to miss the game, but he has since resumed training.
Here is the latest on the Blues injury front before Southampton visit St Andrew’s…
Alex Pritchard
Injury: Calf
January signature Pritchard is expected to make his Blues debut against Southampton on Saturday (3pm kick-off), having been substituted at halftime during his debut against West Bromwich Albion.
Potential return date: March 2, Southampton (h)
Krystian Bielik
Injury: Groin
Bielik started all seven of Blues’ prior games at centre back, so his absence against Ipswich came as a surprise. He should make his comeback against Southampton.
Venus stated, “Krystian trained today” (February 29). “He twisted his groyne after falling last week, causing minor discomfort. He had a scan, which revealed a tiny tear, but he is now healthy.
Potential return date: March 2, Southampton (h)
George Hall
Injury: Hamstring
Hall is expected to return in the upcoming weeks after a gruelling 10-month layoff due to four separate hamstring injuries. He is back in training. On February 29, Venus provided an update, saying, “George has been training for the last three or four weeks, and he has completed all of the training, which is very significant.” He needs to strengthen his hamstrings, which are the source of his frequent breakdowns.
“I do think somewhat highly of George. He appears to be himself. He has undergone physical stretching in order to boost his self-confidence. We’re hoping George will be able to spend some time with the team soon.
Possible return: TBC
Alfie Chang
Knee injury
Chang is anticipated to miss the entire season after suffering a severe ACL injury during a training session in August. In an effort to increase his fitness, the 21-year-old, who has since inked a new three-year contract, has been working out in the gym with the Blues’ physiotherapists and taking up cycling.
Possible return: TBC
