Birmingham City have received a minor reprieve in their defensive planning after football's governing body pushed back the date for players to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA ruling offers Blues brief respite
Bright Osayi-Samuel will now be available for Birmingham's next three Championship fixtures after FIFA delayed the international window. The Nigerian international, named in his country's provisional squad, was originally scheduled to join up with the Super Eagles on December 8.
However, FIFA has moved the mandatory release date to December 15. This means the 27-year-old winger can face his former club Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic in the coming week. Manager Chris Davies confirmed the club expects Osayi-Samuel to depart after the Charlton match on December 13.
Squad implications during hectic schedule
Osayi-Samuel's absence will be felt during the Championship's busiest period. Even if Nigeria, one of the tournament favourites, are eliminated in the last-16, he will miss five league games. A run to the final on January 18 would see him sidelined for at least seven Birmingham matches, including their FA Cup third-round tie.
The situation is compounded by a long-term injury to first-choice right-back Ethan Laird, who is out with a hamstring problem. In recent months, Tomoki Iwata has been deployed as an auxiliary right-back ahead of Osayi-Samuel in the starting line-up.
Davies has 'no doubts' about ready-made replacement
Cover during the AFCON period will come from Alfons Sampsted. The Iceland international made his second substitute appearance of the season in Monday's victory over Watford, and Davies has been impressed by his professionalism.
"He wanted to play in the under-21 match last week," said the Blues boss. "He played 70 minutes, was outstanding, we got great feedback from the under-21 coaching staff around the way he conducted himself. That 70 minutes and the way he’s been training made him ready for that 15 minutes that he came on."
Davies added a strong endorsement for the defender: "I have no doubts on his attitude. With Bright Osayi-Samuel heading off to AFCON, he is going to become a key part of our squad moving forward."
The manager's comments suggest a January move for a new right-back may not be an immediate priority, despite the extended absence of two key players in that position.
