Birmingham City injury update ahead of tonight’s encounter against Middlesbrough

Birmingham City’s options are set to increase for tonight’s visit of Middlesbrough with Jeremie Bela likely to be available.

The Angolan winger, who has also operated as a left wing-back and left-back under Lee Bowyer this season, has missed the last two Championship matches against Bristol City and Hull City through illness.

However, the 28-year-old is expected to return as Blues attempt to extend their unbeaten run to three matches with a positive result against the play-off-chasing Teessiders.

Right-back Maxime Colin is also very close to a return, but tonight’s match is likely to come too soon for him, so Jordan Graham is set to retain his place in the side.

Striker Troy Deeney and defender George Friend remain sidelined, with the latter not now expected back for at least another month after undergoing surgery on his knee.

If he persists with three central defenders, then Bowyer may be tempted to restore Bela to the starting XI as a wing-back which would allow Onel Hernandez to operate in a more advanced position.

Such has been the chopping and changing of formation – often necessitated through injuries – it is difficult to know which one Bowyer will opt for this evening.

Anfernee Dijksteel may return for Middlesbrough.

The central defender missed the recent matches against Sheffield United and Millwall because of illness, but it is anticipated he will be back in the reckoning at St Andrew’s.

Midfielder James Lea Siliki and striker Andraz Sporar were also absent at Millwall because of illness, but Boro boss Chris Wilder was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked whether they will return.

Wilder will otherwise have the same squad available to him, as midfielder Martin Payero continues his recovery from an ankle problem.

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