Birmingham City face an anxious wait to discover if star forward Jay Stansfield will be fit for this weekend's vital Championship encounter with Coventry City.
Stansfield a major doubt for Sky Blues showdown
Manager Chris Davies has cast significant doubt over the 23-year-old's availability for Sunday's match. Stansfield missed the Blues' disappointing 3-0 defeat to Watford on New Year's Day due to a dead leg sustained in the previous match against Southampton.
"We missed his energy," Davies admitted following the loss at Vicarage Road. "He got a knock, unfortunately, and was unable to be anywhere near available for the bench."
Race against time for key man
Despite not finding the net in his last eight appearances, Stansfield remains Birmingham's most productive attacking player this season. His absence was keenly felt in the heavy loss to Watford.
Davies confirmed the situation remains unclear, stating: "It's a little bit uncertain. We will have to see how he is in the next 48 hours. We'll have to see how he is tomorrow and the next day."
This leaves the striker in a direct race against time to prove his fitness for the Coventry City fixture.
Team news and potential returns
The potential absence of Stansfield compounds existing selection issues for Davies. Winger Demarai Gray is also likely to miss out with a calf injury, while defender Christoph Klarer will serve the final match of his suspension.
There is some positive news, however. Midfielder Tommy Doyle will be available again after completing his own ban. Furthermore, the Blues could potentially include new signing Kai Wagner, the German left-back, in their matchday squad for the first time.
All eyes will now be on Stansfield's recovery over the coming days as Birmingham prepare for a pivotal Midlands derby.
