Birmingham City Manager Chris Davies Delivers Triple Injury Update Ahead of Wrexham Match
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has provided a crucial injury update ahead of his team's upcoming Championship fixture against promotion-chasing Wrexham. The match is scheduled for Sunday at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, with kickoff at 12pm.
Paik Seung-ho Declared Available After Ankle Knock
South Korean midfielder Paik Seung-ho has been confirmed as available for selection after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Birmingham City's recent 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town. Paik was replaced at halftime by Tomoki Iwata in that match but has since returned to full training.
"He did take a heavy knock but he's available for this game," Davies stated during his pre-Wrexham press conference on Friday. "He's been training and everything. He's gone through all the checks this week and made his way back into training properly."
Paik has been managing a shoulder injury since November but remains one of only three Birmingham City players to have logged over 3,000 minutes in Championship play this season. His performance could be crucial as he aims to secure a spot in South Korea's World Cup squad.
Midfield Options and Defensive Concerns
With Iwata potentially needed at right-back against Wrexham, Paik is expected to reclaim his central midfield position alongside Colombian talent Jhon Solis. Tommy Doyle represents another option for Davies, though he has started just two of Birmingham's last twelve league matches.
The situation at left-back presents more significant challenges, with all three specialist players currently sidelined. Alex Cochrane has been out since New Year's Day with an ankle issue, Kai Wagner is recovering from a shoulder injury, and Lee Buchanan continues rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained in late 2024.
"Kai Wagner is very close, which is good news," Davies revealed. "Alex Cochrane has also made good strides but he's a bit further behind Kai."
In their absence, Ethan Laird is anticipated to fill the left-back role for this weekend's crucial encounter against Wrexham, who are pushing for promotion in the Championship standings.
