Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw with Derby County on Boxing Day came at a cost
16:39, 26 Dec 2025Updated 16:41, 26 Dec 2025
Birmingham City captain Christoph Klarer was sent off for a high foot on Derby County’s Ebou Adams
Chris Davies is fearing the worst on Demarai Gray’s injury after the influential winger limped out of Birmingham City’s draw with Derby early on.
Gray had to be replaced by Lewis Koumas in the 16th minute after pulling up and Davies isn’t convinced he will be available for Southampton.
The games are coming thick and fast for Blues with Southampton followed by Watford and Coventry before the Championship pauses for the FA Cup.
“Demarai was feeling something early in the game, I was aware of it and we were trying to see if he could run it off,” said Davies.
“I wouldn’t be able to give you days or weeks on that one, but if you have to come off in a game you can anticipate a few weeks. I think it’s a knock on his calf.”
Blues will be without captain Christoph Klarer against Southampton, Watford and Coventry after he was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Derby’s Ebou Adams.
Davies reacted: “I think it was an uncharacteristic mistake from him. What can I say? Someone who is a colossal leader for us will be a miss, no doubt. That’s him obviously suspended.
“Christoph has been fantastic, he doesn’t make many mistakes, but that was obviously one of them.”
Patching up the defence is becoming more problematic for Davies by the game. It is hoped that left-back Alex Cochrane will return at some stage in the next 10 days to give Blues a boost.
Davies added: “Alex has made that position his own in our system as that hybrid left-back, he’s played it so well. We’re hoping Alex is going to be available for one of these games.
“Southampton could come too soon. That’s very possible. We’re talking about days between games.
“We want him back as quickly as possible, he’s such an integral part of our system.”
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