Birmingham City injury news as Gary Rowett provides update on 'inspirational' player

Birmingham City interim manager Gary Rowett has hailed Lukas Jutkiewicz efforts to try and get himself fit for their end of season run in.

Blues have a big game coming up this weekend against relegation rival Huddersfield Town. It’s a match that neither side can afford to lose given that both teams occupy the final remaining two relegation spots.

Jutkiewicz has been unable to feature under Rowett yet following the latter’s appointment last month. The 35-year-old has been out with a knee injury sustained against Watford at St Andrew’s in what was Mark Venus’ final game before he stepped aside for Rowett.

Providing an update on proceedings, Rowett said in his press conference: "Jukey is now running around with more tape on than I've ever seen. He'll do his best to be available but just the fact he's back out there really is inspirational.”

Jutkiewicz is the longest serving player at the club and has been involved in several battles with relegation. He hasn't played as many games as in previous season with his next only being his 30th, compared to last year where he played 47 times.

He's got four goals in all competitions this term with three coming in the league. His last was a goal in the 1-1 draw away at Hull City, scoring against them twice this term after also netting in the FA Cup third round clash. His stay at the club is uncertain with his contract that he signed in 2021 coming to an end this summer.

As Jutkiewicz faces a battle to be involved at the weekend, there is only one confirmed absentee from Birmingham. Alfie Chang has been out for the whole season because of a knee injury suffered in August. The injury situation is clearing up with Marc Roberts back on the bench last week whilst Oliver Burke played 45 minutes against Rotherham United.