Alex Pritchard injury update emerges after Birmingham City debut ended prematurely

Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed Alex Pritchard's half time substitution during the 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion was precautionary due to an injury concern.

Blues' bargain Deadline Day addition didn't reemerge for the second period after feeling an issue with his calf, Mowbray explained during the post-match press conference. Jordan James, who was perhaps a little unfortunate not to start the game, came on in Pritchard's place.

"His calf was tightening up a bit. The intensity; a new club – your body gets tense as you want to do well," Mowbray revealed. "I think everything was a bit tight and we made a call together at half time to not put him at risk. I thought the general depth of the squad felt stronger today," Mowbray added.

Pritchard will be disappointed he didn't play the full 90 minutes on his Birmingham debut but there were promising signs as the playmaker worked well between the lines. The ex-Sunderland and Huddersfield Town man struggled to execute his passes into the final third but dribbled with the ball effectively.

The 30-year-old is expected to be a key asset for Mowbray, who was able to convince the player to sign for Birmingham instead of clubs in Turkey and the United States of America. Pritchard will likely undergo a scan before a decision is made for the trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night.