'It's a blow' - New Birmingham City injury confirmed on dawn of Mansfield Town clash

Blues will be without Emil Hansson for Saturday’s trip to Mansfield in League One as the winger has suffered a leg injury.

Hansson is expected to miss around a month of action after being withdrawn during Birmingham’s 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. A scan in the aftermath confirmed Blues’ fears and Hansson will now spend several weeks recuperating at Birmingham’s Elite Performance & Innovation Centre.

“With Emil it looks like he will be out for a few weeks,” Davies told Birmingham Live. “He’s felt something there which is a blow because he’s been very good for us and played a lot of football. That’s how it is, there’s always someone else ready to come in and take their opportunity. We’ll assess Emil day by day.”

Davies will be forced to make at least one change this weekend as a result of Hansson’s absence. Against Bolton, the manager opted to shift Keshi Anderson to the left and bring on Marc Leonard in the number 10 role. That could be the case against Mansfield, too, but the are several other options.

Record signing Jay Stansfield could easily take up the attacking midfield position following his return from injury, while Alfie May has upped his creative output in recent matches. Scott Wright, if fully fit following his own fitness issue, could otherwise get the nod after scoring twice in the FA Trophy.

Tricky and agile Japanese prospect Ayumu Yokoyama is an alternative on the wing, though the 21-year-old is normally preferred as an impact substitute. Birmingham’s clash at Mansfield kicks off at 3pm this Saturday.