Demarai Gray has been a fixture in Chris Davies’ team since returning to Birmingham City

12:56, 11 Oct 2025Updated 13:09, 11 Oct 2025

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreDemarai Gray has had to pull out of international duty with Jamaica.Demarai Gray has had to pull out of international duty with Jamaica.(Image: Leila Coker/Getty Images)

Demarai Gray has had to make an early return to Birmingham City after sustaining a groin injury while on international duty.

Gray was supposed to be playing for Jamaica against Curacao on Friday night but instead was heading back to the UK to have the problem assessed and for treatment.

The 29-year-old has started all nine Championship games since returning to Birmingham in the summer and scored his first goal of term in last week’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Jamaica lost a World Cup qualifier 2-0 in his absence in a shock result, putting them second in a group where only the winners will progress to next summer’s finals in the US, Canada and Mexico. Young Chelsea winger Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards had taken Gray’s place in the squad. Gray also pulled out of internationals in September.

Jamaica manager Steve McClaren told the Jamaica Gleaner: “Losing Demarai was a big blow. He was one of our best players and he played really well for Birmingham, so we’re really disappointed but it gives somebody else the opportunity to come in.”

Birmingham return to Championship action next Saturday with a home game against Hull.

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