Birmingham City have confirmed they are in no immediate hurry to send defender Lee Buchanan out on loan, following the player's long-awaited return to the training pitch.
Long Road to Recovery
Lee Buchanan has not played a single minute for Birmingham City throughout the entire 2025 calendar year. The left-back's lengthy absence stems from a serious knee injury he sustained during a 0-0 draw with Blackpool on the final day of 2024. After a full twelve months on the sidelines, the 24-year-old has now begun integrated light training with the first-team squad, a significant milestone in his rehabilitation.
Davies Outlines Cautious Approach
Blues head coach Chris Davies has welcomed Buchanan back but emphasised a patient, step-by-step plan. With Alex Cochrane now firmly established as the first-choice left-back and the recent acquisition of Kai Wagner providing further competition, a temporary move away for Buchanan to regain match sharpness had been speculated.
However, Davies has revealed that such discussions have not yet taken place. "We haven’t gone as far as ‘there’s a loan here or there’, the manager stated. "We’re thinking about getting him fit and going again basically and seeing where we go from there."
Davies confirmed that Buchanan and fellow injured player Scott Wright have met all their recovery targets on schedule. The immediate priority is solely on rebuilding Buchanan's strength and conditioning, with his progress being assessed on a daily basis.
What Comes Next for the Forgotten Man?
The reality for Buchanan is that a first-team appearance this season appears unlikely. The club's strategy is clearly one of extreme care, prioritising his long-term health over a quick return to competitive action.
This cautious approach suggests any decision regarding a potential loan move for the former England youth international will be deferred until he has built a substantial foundation of fitness. For now, Birmingham City and Lee Buchanan are focused on one goal: a successful and sustainable return to full training.
