Birmingham City team news before the FA Cup clash against Cambridge United at The Abbey (5:45pm)
Birmingham City’s Scott Wright in action before his injury(Image: )
Scott Wright could make his first Birmingham City appearance in more than 10 months against Cambridge United today.
The Scottish winger hasn’t featured since suffering a serious knee injury in the 0-0 draw with Reading on February 22 last year but he returned to the bench for the victory over Coventry City last weekend.
Wright could get minutes in the cup with Blues boss Chris Davies expected to shuffle his pack after the taxing festive fixture list.
“It’s great news for Scott,” said Davies. “He has been working really hard and there was a great feeling amongst the group to welcome him back because he’s been out for so long.”
Wright’s return is a boost for Davies who is still without five players. Alex Cochrane and Demarai Gray have joined long-term absentees Ethan Laird and Lee Buchanan in the treatment room, while Bright Osayi-Samuel is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations representing Nigeria.
Here is the latest Blues injury news…
Alex Cochrane
Injury: Ankle
Cochrane was virtually ever-present in his first season at Blues but he has had niggles to contend with this season.
The left-back has missed five of Blues’ last seven games with an ankle issue and isn’t close to returning.
Giving an update (January 8), Davies said: “Alex has got an issue with his ankle and he’s going to be out for a few weeks. Alex is the one that we’re going to miss for longer.”
Demarai Gray
Injury: Calf
Gray suffered a calf injury in Blues’ draw with Derby County on Boxing Day which has forced him to miss their last three games.
The 29-year-old was in the midst of a purple patch but Blues aren’t expecting him back imminently.
“I still think we’re looking into February for Demarai,” said Davies. “I think the original estimation was six weeks, but he would be one that I think would get back in a quick timeframe.
“He’s a quick healer and not injured much, really professional, so he’ll do everything he can to reduce that time. But I think we are looking right into February for that one.”
Ethan Laird
Injury: Hamstring
Laird hasn’t featured since sustaining a hamstring injury in the defeat to Coventry on September 27.
Davies has suggested Laird is due to return to team training in February after a high grade hamstring injury.
“Ethan Laird is step by step moving forward, hopefully he can start training and being with everyone again in February.”
Lee Buchanan
Injury: Knee
Buchanan is now 12 months into his recovery and has recently started light training. The signing of Kai Wagner, in addition to Cochrane’s presence at left-back, means Blues don’t have to rush Buchanan back.
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