Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has delivered a significant fitness boost ahead of Wednesday's Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion, confirming winger Demarai Gray avoided injury despite his swift exit during the Norwich City victory.
Gray Injury Scare Allayed After Stand-Out Performance
The 29-year-old winger produced a man-of-the-match display in Blues' 4-1 win over Norwich, recording two assists and influencing a third goal before receiving a standing ovation when substituted in the 72nd minute.
His immediate departure down the tunnel sparked concern among supporters, but Davies moved quickly to dismiss any worries post-match. "Demarai is absolutely fine," the Blues boss insisted.
Davies praised Gray's impact, particularly after international duty: "Demarai had a lot of travelling to do and you're never quite sure how they're going to come back. Dimmy got two goals in his two previous games and had an influence in three of the goals against Norwich - two direct assists and one second assist for Ducksch's second goal."
He added: "We know he's got quality and he's always worked hard for the team, but I know he's been keen to add a little bit to his numbers. He's really diligent, really professional and I'm pleased for him."
Injury Update: Five Players Set to Miss West Brom Clash
While Gray is available for the trip to The Hawthorns, Davies confirmed several key players will miss the West Midlands derby on Wednesday evening.
Paik Seung-ho remains sidelined with the shoulder injury he sustained in the defeat to Middlesbrough two weeks ago. The South Korean international dislocated his shoulder, and although the injury didn't require surgery, Blues are proceeding with caution.
"We're hoping it's a matter of weeks, not months," Davies explained. "The next four or five days are going to be important to see how it progresses. We have to be smart with how much we push it because it's a very delicate injury."
Willum Willumsson is approaching three months out with an unspecified issue but has returned to training and could be in contention soon. "Willum is very close," Davies confirmed. "He's not quite there but he's on that road to recovery."
The news is less positive for Ethan Laird, who hasn't featured since suffering a hamstring injury against Coventry on September 27. Davies revealed: "Ethan is unfortunately an injury that will take him some time, a few months, which is a real blow. We won't see him for a few months," casting doubt over his availability before the new year.
Long-Term Absentees Targeting New Year Returns
Birmingham's two long-term casualties, Lee Buchanan and Scott Wright, continue their rehabilitation from knee injuries.
Buchanan is now eleven months into his recovery, while Wright - though injured later - is slightly ahead in his timeline. Both have been omitted from Blues' squad for the first half of the season.
Davies provided an update: "Their planned progression back into training is towards the back end of the year. Both, we would hope, would be ready to go in the New Year. They are at the more exciting part of their process now, starting to venture outside a little bit more."
The manager acknowledged both players face competition for places upon their returns, particularly Wright in a wide department strengthened by summer additions Demarai Gray, Lewis Koumas and Patrick Roberts.
