Birmingham City have been dealt a significant injury setback with the news that defender Alex Cochrane will be sidelined for a number of months.
Key defender faces extended absence
Head coach Chris Davies delivered the unwelcome update, confirming that the left-back's ankle issue is more serious than initially hoped. Cochrane has already missed the Blues' last three matches and was originally thought to be weeks away from a return. However, following further assessment, the player is now targeting a comeback before the end of the season.
The 26-year-old was a pivotal figure in Birmingham's record-breaking 111-point League One title triumph last campaign and had started the current Championship season strongly. His reliability has been a major asset, making this prolonged absence a considerable blow to Davies's plans.
Injury list grows ahead of Sheffield Wednesday trip
In a comprehensive injury briefing, Davies revealed that Cochrane is not the only player who will be absent for the trip to Hillsborough on Tuesday night. The manager stated that Jack Robinson, Demarai Gray, and Ethan Laird are also unavailable for selection.
"I don’t think there’s anything imminent," Davies told Birmingham Live. "Jack has picked up a knock that’s going to keep him out for a little bit. Demarai is still out, Ethan is out, Alex is a bit of a longer-term one. He is going to be out for a few months, sadly. There’s no one that will be back soon."
Transfer activity to address squad depth
With the squad looking light on numbers, the club is actively working in the January transfer window to bolster its options. Davies confirmed that work is ongoing behind the scenes to address the shortage.
Birmingham are close to securing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Ibrahim Osman on loan and have had a £6 million offer accepted for Djurgardens striker August Priske, who is set to arrive for talks. The club is also making efforts to sign winger Patrick Roberts on a permanent deal from Sunderland.
The loss of Cochrane, a consistent performer since his arrival, leaves a notable gap in defence as Birmingham aim to consolidate their position in the Championship.
