Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are set to face off in a pivotal Championship encounter, with significant injury concerns affecting both squads ahead of the match. The latest updates reveal nine players are confirmed absent, while two others remain doubtful, potentially shaping the outcome of this high-stakes fixture.
Match Context and Team Form
This clash pits play-off hopefuls Birmingham City against relegation-threatened West Brom, highlighting the contrasting fortunes in the Championship table. Birmingham enter the game with confidence, riding a five-match unbeaten streak in the league, including a notable 2-1 victory over Leicester City. Under manager Chris Davies, they have established St Andrew's as a formidable home ground, suffering only one league defeat there since his arrival in June 2024.
In contrast, West Brom are struggling for form, having failed to secure a win in their last five matches. The club appointed Eric Ramsay as manager in January to reverse their fortunes, but they have yet to experience the anticipated new manager bounce. A victory is crucial for Birmingham to push into the top six, while West Brom desperately need points to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Birmingham City Injury Report
Birmingham City face several key absences that could impact their defensive and attacking options. Summer signing Phil Neumann is expected to miss out due to a muscle injury sustained during the Leicester City match, ruling him out of the matchday squad. Alex Cochrane is also sidelined with an ankle problem, with a return not anticipated until around April, placing pressure on January acquisition Kai Wagner to step up.
Ethan Laird is likely to be unavailable because of a hamstring issue that has plagued his season since September, though he is nearing a return to training. Jack Robinson is progressing from a hamstring injury but is not expected to feature against West Brom. Additionally, Demarai Gray is doubtful for this fixture, with a calf problem keeping him out since Boxing Day; his return is more probable for the upcoming Leeds United game.
West Brom Injury News
West Brom's defensive woes are compounded by injuries, with Chris Mepham likely to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury against Stoke City. George Campbell and Krystian Bielik are already ruled out in central defence, leaving Nat Phillips as the sole fit centre-back available for this challenging fixture.
In attack, Karlan Grant is sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out for approximately three months, while Tammer Bany has also been ruled out. Mikey Johnson may be involved in some capacity but could be limited to a substitute role due to a lack of match fitness, further straining West Brom's options.
Implications for the Championship Showdown
These injury setbacks add an extra layer of intrigue to the match, as both teams must adapt their strategies without key players. Birmingham will rely on their home form and depth to maintain momentum, whereas West Brom face an uphill battle to secure vital points amid their injury crisis. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how these absences influence the dynamics on the pitch in this crucial Championship encounter.
