Birmingham City kick off their 2026/27 season with a Carabao Cup first-round tie against Swansea City on Saturday, buoyed by a flawless pre-season campaign. Chris Davies' side won all six of their pre-season matches in front of supporters, with the only defeat coming in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portuguese champions Porto. However, a number of key players are nursing injuries ahead of the trip to South Wales, leaving the Blues' squad stretched for the season opener.
Pre-Season Success Marred by Injury Concerns
The Blues' impressive pre-season form, which included victories over Barcelona and other high-profile opponents, has been tempered by a growing injury list. Davies will be without several first-team regulars for the Swansea match, and the manager has provided updates on the fitness of five players as the team prepares for competitive action.
Among the absentees is midfielder Paik Seung-ho, who has not featured in any pre-season game after picking up a knock in training following his return from the World Cup. The South Korean international's condition has improved this week, but Davies remained cautious when asked for an update on the eve of the match.
“He’s had a good week,” said Davies. “He obviously had a knock but he’s made decent progress this week, so he’s in a much better position than he was.” Paik last played six weeks ago and will now need to build up match fitness before being considered for selection.
Gray and Ducksch Close to Return
Demarai Gray, who scored three goals in pre-season – a tally only bettered by August Priske – missed the Barcelona game with a niggle. Davies has indicated that Gray's absence was precautionary, which is good news for Blues fans, as Gray is currently the only natural left-winger in the squad.
“Again, a much better position than he was. He was close to the Barca match but picked up a niggle,” the manager explained. Gray's return would be a significant boost, given his pre-season form and the lack of cover in his position.
Marvin Ducksch, another player yet to feature in pre-season, suffered an injury during the team's training camp in Portugal in early July. The German forward has now resumed light training on the grass at the training ground, but he will need time to regain full fitness before being considered for first-team action. “Marvin is light training so not far away,” said Davies.
Long-Term Absences for Gardner-Hickman and Leonard
Taylor Gardner-Hickman faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after pulling up just 10 minutes into the friendly at Burton Albion on July 22. The midfielder has been ruled out for “months, not weeks” by his manager, a significant blow given his future had been uncertain following a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers last season. It now appears he will remain at St Andrew's until at least January.
Marc Leonard's situation is even more serious. The midfielder ruptured his Achilles tendon at the end of last season during a successful loan spell at Hearts. He suffered the injury in a game against Motherwell on May 9, which derailed a potential lucrative transfer. Leonard underwent surgery in London promptly before returning to Birmingham to begin rehabilitation.
He is still on crutches and confined to the gym at the training ground, with the expectation that he will not be available until the New Year. This long-term absence is a major setback for both the player and the club, as Leonard had been a key figure in midfield during his time in Scotland.
Impact on the Squad and Season Start
With five players unavailable, Davies will need to rely on the depth of his squad for the Swansea match. The injuries have come at a challenging time, as the Blues look to build on their pre-season momentum and make a strong start in the Carabao Cup. The tie against Swansea, who are managed by former Birmingham boss Russell Martin, adds extra spice to the encounter.
Despite the setbacks, Davies remains optimistic about the squad's overall fitness levels. The pre-season campaign, which included six wins in front of supporters, has provided a solid foundation for the season ahead. The manager will hope that the injured players can return quickly, with Gray and Ducksch potentially available in the coming weeks, while Paik continues to make progress.
As the Blues prepare for their first competitive match of the season, the focus will be on fielding a competitive team against Swansea while managing the fitness of key players. The injury list may be a concern, but Birmingham City have shown resilience in pre-season, and fans will be hoping for a positive start to the campaign.
