Chris Davies issues positive Birmingham City injury update as key duo near returns

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has confirmed Dion Sanderson and Lee Buchanan are both stepping up their returns from injury.

Birmingham City had a seriously busy summer transfer window, with few members of last season’s squad sticking around for the League One promotion push.

The Blues set about a vast rebuild of their ranks and many of those involved in the relegation from the Championship were moved on. It paved the way for a host of signings as they look to bounce back to the second-tier in style under former Spurs coach Chris Davies.

Two players who have stayed onboard though are defenders Dion Sanderson and Lee Buchanan. Neither have been involved much this season owing to injury, with centre-back Sanderson playing twice while former Derby County youngster Buchanan is yet to make his bow.

However, in a positive update, the Birmingham City pair look to be nearing returns.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Rotherham United, manager Davies confirmed that while Sanderson is a bit behind Buchanan on the comeback trial, the defender has been out on the grass. He will not be available against the Millers, but it remains to be seen whether Buchanan can be involved.

Fighting for starts

Sanderson and Buchanan have both shown before that they can be influential performers in the Championship, but despite dropping down to League One with Birmingham City, they might face uphill battles in the fight to start.

Sanderson, who captained the Blues last season, endured a tougher time of things at the back in his first season since joining the club permanently. He’ll have to dislodge Krystian Bielik or Christoph Klarer from the starting spot with Ben Davies also offering competition.

At left-back, City spent a decent fee on bringing Alex Cochrane down from Hearts.

The former Brighton prospect has made a positive impact since joining and looks comfortable at this level. The same will be said for Buchanan, but it’ll be a tough battle to get into the side all the same.

Building on the strong start

Birmingham City are expected to storm to the League One title this season after a big summer of spending and if they can continue as they’ve started, they should do be confident of doing so.

Davies’ side have won four of their opening five games, drawing once. It has them 2nd in the table behind Wrexham and level on points with Charlton Athletic, but both of those sides have played an extra game.

This weekend, the Blues will be keen to pile more misery on Rotherham United, who have endured a below-par start despite a busy summer of their own.

Steve Evans’ men are sure to be a good test regardless, so they’ll have to be at the top of their game away from home.