Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has confirmed that Max Bird's recent injury will not impact the club's plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window. The midfielder, who joined the club this summer, picked up the injury during a training session ahead of the match against his former club Bristol City, which ended in a 2-2 draw at St Andrew's on Saturday.
Bird facing weeks on the sidelines
Speaking after the game, Davies provided an update on the extent of Bird's injury, stating: "We think he's going to be a few weeks to a month. He's gutted. We're gutted for him as well. Just out of a training week he has picked up an injury which is really unfortunate for him. He has to recover as quick as he can now. At least he's played a game, he's made a start for us and we know he's one of us now."
Bird had previously struggled with calf problems during his final season at Bristol City, which limited him to just 15 appearances in the Championship campaign. When asked whether this was another calf issue, Davies clarified: "It's on his leg, I don't know exactly what he's got. It's down towards his ankle I think so he's obviously felt like he can't continue and the physios have looked at it and said he'll be a few weeks."
Midfield depth already stretched
The injury adds to Birmingham City's ongoing midfield concerns. Paik Seung-ho missed pre-season through injury and has started the season in an advanced role, leaving the Blues without natural replacements for Jhon Solis and Tomoki Iwata on the bench against Bristol City. Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Marc Leonard are also currently in the treatment room, further limiting options in the centre of the pitch.
Despite these setbacks, Davies insists the club's approach to the transfer market remains unchanged. "I think we've got an idea in the transfer market that hasn't changed on the back of Max's injury. It's still we are where we are and we've been in that position for a few weeks now," he said.
Transfer window remains active
Davies acknowledged the slow pace of the transfer market but emphasised the importance of the coming days. "It's quite slow. That's the way it is. We've got to get this next 10 days right and improve the squad," he added.
With the transfer window set to close soon, Birmingham City will look to strengthen their squad in the final stretch, with Bird's injury not altering their intended approach.
