Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has delivered a significant update on his squad's fitness, confirming that an injury to first-choice goalkeeper James Beadle will not prompt a January transfer move.
Goalkeeper Situation Clarified
Young shot-stopper James Beadle will miss several weeks of action after sustaining an ankle injury. The 21-year-old, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, missed last weekend's draw with Charlton Athletic and has been ruled out of the upcoming Championship fixture away at Sheffield United on Saturday.
Davies initially suggested Beadle would be absent for two or three matches, but after further consultation with his parent club, the timeline has been extended. "James is not there yet," Davies stated. "I think it's a matter of weeks. I don't think it's anything longer but we'll see next week."
In a clear message to fans and pundits, the Blues boss confirmed the club will not be seeking a replacement goalkeeper in the January transfer window. Ryan Allsop will continue between the posts during Beadle's recovery. "I think he'll be fine," Davies said of Allsop. "We're liaising with Brighton on the details but, no, we're not looking at a goalkeeper."
Willumsson Returns to Boost Midfield
There was more positive news regarding Icelandic midfielder Willum Willumsson, who is now in contention for a return to the matchday squad. Willumsson has not featured for Birmingham since the end of August due to his own fitness issues but has now completed several weeks of full training.
"Willum has had a good couple of weeks training and he could have easily been in the squad last week," Davies explained. "But we chose not to put him in to just give him another week, so he's in a great place." The manager indicated Willumsson could take a place on the substitutes' bench for the trip to Bramall Lane.
Confirmed Absences for Sheffield United Clash
Davies also confirmed several other players who will be unavailable for the weekend's crucial league encounter. The Blues will be without defender Lee Buchanan (knee) and full-back Ethan Laird (hamstring).
Winger Scott Wright remains sidelined with a knee problem, while Bright Osayi-Samuel is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. This leaves Davies with a selection challenge as Birmingham City aim to secure a positive result against the Blades.
The manager's updates provide clarity on the squad's condition ahead of a busy festive period in the Championship, with the club opting for internal solutions rather than a reactive dip into the January market for a new goalkeeper.
