Barnsley v Birmingham City injury news as six out and two doubts

Birmingham City hope to build on their midweek win as they head to Oakwell to take on Barnsley in the EFL League One.

More than 5,000 Blues supporters will be heading to South Yorkshire this weekend, as they continue to be the best supported team in the division both home and away.

Alfie May was twice on target on Wednesday night against Stockport County with Keshi Anderson supplying him for both goals. Barnsley suffered a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham's nearest rivals Wrexham in midweek, conceding a stoppage time goal.

Five places separate Birmingham and the Tykes with Chris Davies' men ahead by nine points, despite having played two games fewer. Here's the latest injury and team news prior to kick-off.

Birmingham City team news

In his pre-match press conference, Davies said, “Emil Hansson is a little bit ahead of the other two. He’s back in training today with the team. It's sort of light training, but he’s back in with the squad. He’s getting there step by step.

“It's a big step up for him today. Scott (Wright) and Alfons (Sampsted) are just a week or so behind that. They’re getting there, and, touch wood, hopefully, as we approach Christmas, we can have them all back for that period.

Keshi Anderson is missing through suspension. He put in a stellar performance against Stockport County, supplying Alfie May for his two goals. Anderson picked up a yellow card which was his fifth of the campaign and as a result, he has been given an automatic one match ban.

Lee Buchanan is still contending with a calf injury. He’s not played a competitive game for the first-team this season after suffering a calf injury at the end of the July. He suffered a setback in September, and the plan is for him to play for the under-21s to build up his match fitness.

Doubt: Emil Hansson. Out: Lee Buchanan, Scott Wright, Alfons Sampsted, and Keshi Anderson.

Barnsley team news

Max Watters is ruled out, and will likely miss the remainder of the year. He has suffered a setback after suffering an injury against Cambridge United last month.

"Max has had a slight setback so he will be out a little bit longer," said Darrell Clarke to the Barnsley Chronicle.

“Hopefully it’s not too long.

“We’ve had a scan as a precaution.

“He has been doing work out on the grass and felt a little reaction.”

Josh Benson played for the under-21s in the week and is working his way back to fitness. Goalkeeper Gaga Slonina is still a couple of weeks away from a return after injuring his finger.

Out: Gaga Slonina, and Max Watters. Doubt: Josh Benson.