Birmingham City vs Leeds United FA Cup Clash: Injury Updates for Five Ruled-Out Players
Birmingham City are set to return to FA Cup action this weekend as they host Premier League side Leeds United, with both teams facing significant injury concerns ahead of the highly anticipated fourth-round tie. The Blues, who drew 0-0 at home against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship on Tuesday night, are currently positioned in 10th place in the league table after 32 fixtures, just one point behind the play-off spots occupied by Wrexham.
Manager Chris Davies will need to navigate a challenging squad situation, with several key players sidelined or doubtful for the cup encounter. Meanwhile, Leeds United, who fought back from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 against Chelsea in their last Premier League outing, are also dealing with their own injury woes as they aim to secure a place in the fifth round of the competition.
Leeds United Injury News Ahead of Birmingham City Trip
Starting with the visitors, Leeds United have been forced to leave out key striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to illness, with his availability for the Birmingham clash still under assessment. The 28-year-old forward, who has scored 10 goals in 25 games this season, was absent in the draw against Chelsea, and manager Daniel Farke expressed hope that his condition is not too severe.
In addition, Leeds will be without summer signing Anton Stach, who is sidelined with a hip injury and is not expected to return for the FA Cup match, though he is poised to be available for their next league fixture against Aston Villa. Defender Pascal Struijk is also ruled out, with Farke confirming that the player will definitely miss the game due to hip flexor problems sustained in a previous match against Nottingham Forest.
Birmingham City Injury Latest Ahead of Leeds United Test
On the home side, Birmingham City received a boost as Phil Neumann and Demarai Gray, both doubts ahead of the West Brom match, were able to feature in the end. However, manager Chris Davies faces decisions on whether to make changes or field a full-strength team against Leeds.
The Blues remain without left-back Alex Cochrane due to an ankle problem, with his return not expected until around April, though January addition Kai Wagner has made a positive impression since joining from Philadelphia Union. Full-back Ethan Laird is also set to miss out with a hamstring issue, having endured a frustrating campaign with fitness concerns, though he is believed to be close to a return.
Centre-back Jack Robinson, who joined from Sheffield United last year, is expected back in training soon amid hamstring worries, but the match against Leeds is likely to come too soon for him. Overall, Birmingham will be without Cochrane, Laird, and Robinson for the FA Cup clash, adding to the defensive challenges.
In summary, both Birmingham City and Leeds United enter this FA Cup tie with key players ruled out, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable encounter as they vie for progression in the competition.
