Birmingham City suffer major new injury blow as 'pivotal' midfielder limps off on international duty

Birmingham City midfielder Paik Seung-ho was forced off during the first half of South Korea’s World Cup qualifier against Oman on Thursday morning.

The 28-year-old was replaced by Paris Saint-Germain winger Kang-in Lee in the 39th minute after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Paik went down, held the back of his thigh and received treatment from the medical staff before limping off the field.

It’s a great shame Paik was unable to carry on as he’s been in tremendous form and has become a key man for his nation. The setback comes just a few days after his birthday, too. An injury is definitely not the belated present he would have liked, with a cake from Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min much preferred.

One of Blues’ players of the season for his involvement in what has been a dominant League One campaign, Paik has been nearly ever-present alongside Tomoki Iwata in a midfield double pivot. The Barcelona academy graduate boldly turned down offers from Leeds United, Sheffield United and Norwich City last summer and it has paid off as he’s become a fan favourite at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Chris Davies may have to make do without Paik upon the return from the international break, however, as the 20-time South Korea appearance-maker looked in a lot of discomfort when he went off against Oman. There was one positive as the midfielder returned to the bench for the second half rather than remaining in the dressing room, while he was seen walking freely in a lap of honour after the game.

Nonetheless, it’s concerning that Paik was not able to even try and carry on for the final few minutes of the first half. Head coach Hong Myung-bo didn’t want to take any risks and he’ll now assess his player ahead of the second and final World Cup qualifier of this break, against Jordan on Tuesday.

Paik not the only victim

Blues will be anxiously awaiting news from the South Korea camp about the extent of Paik’s injury but the deep-lying playmaker isn’t the only player Davies will be worried about.

Jay Stansfield saw his duty with the England Under-21 squad cut short as he was deemed unfit for the upcoming clashes against France Under-21 and Portugal Under-21. Those games are only friendlies, at least, but Stansfield will have been excited at the prospect of adding to his current tally of three caps at this level.

The good news is Stansfield is only said to have suffered “knocks” and shouldn’t be out for too long. As much as it’s disappointing the £13 million record signing couldn’t earn more caps for his country, it could be a blessing in disguise as he can now focus on returning to full fitness and sharpness ahead of the last 10 League One matches of the season, as well as the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough United at Wembley.

In other news, Davies has revealed the under-the-radar player he thinks deserves more credit.